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Oranges ripen all year round
The orange probably comes from subtropical areas in Myanmar, northern India and southern China. The plant thrives today, especially in subtropical and frost-free Mediterranean climates. Depending on the variety, oranges sometimes have long fruit ripening periods; but their fruits do not necessarily ripen before winter.
Immature fruits can be overwintered
On average, oranges ripen between six and nine months after flowering. As plants of the subtropical or tropical climatic zone, they usually bloom several times a year, whereby the fruits of summer or autumn blossoms, which do not ripen in autumn, can remain on the tree during the absolutely necessary frost-free wintering. They will then continue to grow to full maturity next spring.
Maturity is important
If you would like to cultivate oranges in Germany, you should use pre-maturing varieties such as the navel oranges "Fukumoto" or "Newhall" if possible. Other varieties such. For example, "Navelina" will not mature until November, many Valencia oranges even in late winter and spring of the following year. Oranges should only be harvested fully ripe, as they - unlike other fruits such. B. peaches - do not ripen.
Tips & Tricks
Whether an orange is really ripe, you do not necessarily recognize by its shell. In order for the fruit to turn bright orange, it needs cool temperatures - otherwise it just stays green but is still ripe. Mature oranges can stay on the tree for up to 14 months.