Cara Cara Orange Tree

The Cara Cara orange tree is a dwarf navel orange (Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara') grown on dwarfing rootstock that holds it to about 2m tall and 1.8m wide. The fruit is the reason to choose it over a standard navel: sweet, low in acid and rosy pink inside, ripening through winter. White spring blossom adds classic citrus fragrance and keeps the bees busy.

Why you'll love it

• Pink fleshed fruit with real sweetness. A low acid navel, sweet rather than sharp, with deep pink flesh that looks superb on a platter.
• A true dwarf. On its dwarfing rootstock it stays around 2m, so picking, netting and pruning happen with two feet on the ground.
• Made for pots. A 400mm to 500mm wide container suits it for years, so balcony and courtyard gardeners are not left out.
• Fragrant spring blossom. The white flowers carry true orange blossom scent and draw bees and butterflies.
• Heat and humidity tolerant. Hot summers and muggy coastal air do not slow it down.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. The natural home for a dwarf citrus: premium potting mix, generous drainage holes and full sun on a balcony, courtyard or patio.

Small gardens. At about 2m tall and 1.8m wide it slots into a sunny corner or a narrow bed along a fence without shading everything behind it.

Feature planting. Glossy evergreen foliage, scented blossom and colourful winter fruit make it a productive alternative to a purely ornamental small tree.

Growing Cara Cara Orange in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun is essential: aim for six hours or more a day. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, and copes with light frost only once established. In colder districts grow it in a pot against a warm north facing wall and move it under cover when hard frosts threaten.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with compost. Citrus roots resent sitting wet, so on heavy clay plant into a raised bed or mound, or keep it in a container.

Water and feed. Water deeply once or twice a week through the warm months, more often in pots, and keep the root zone mulched. Feed with a complete citrus fertiliser in late winter and again in mid summer.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Remove any shoots from below the graft, thin crowded growth after harvest and take out dead wood. Heavy pruning costs you fruit, so keep it light.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell this tree from 140mm, 200mm and 250mm pots in multi plant packs, through single trees in 300mm and 400mm pots, up to 500mm and advanced 100L specimens that carry fruit years sooner. Smaller sizes establish quickly; the larger pots buy you time.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet week or two after transit, then steady new growth in warm weather. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Growing citrus trees in an Australian backyard
• Browse the full citrus tree range
• Compare other orange varieties
• Explore all fruit trees

Common questions

Do I need two trees for fruit?

No. Cara Cara is a navel orange, and navels set their virtually seedless fruit without a pollination partner. One tree in a sunny spot will crop on its own.

How long until it fruits?

Grafted dwarf citrus usually carry their first worthwhile crop within two to three years of planting, and advanced stock sooner. Fruit sets in spring and ripens through winter, so leave it on the tree until the colour deepens.

What size pot does it need?

Start at 400mm wide or larger, with drainage holes you can see. Repot every three to four years into fresh mix, and expect to water potted trees two or three times a week in summer.

Is it safe around pets?

Citrus oils in the leaves and peel can irritate cats and dogs if chewed, so we do not sell it as a pet friendly plant. Most pets ignore citrus, but pick up dropped fruit if yours chews things.