The orange probably comes from subtropical areas in Myanmar, northern India and southern China. The plant still thrives today, especially in subtropical and frost-free Mediterranean climates. Depending on the variety, oranges sometimes have long fruit ripening times; but their fruit need not necessarily ripen before winter.
Immature fruits can be overwintered
On average, oranges ripen between six to nine months after flowering. As plants from the subtropical or tropical climate zone, they usually flower several times a year, whereby the fruits from summer or autumn flowers that do not ripen in autumn can remain on the tree during the absolutely necessary frost-free winter. They then simply continue to grow to full maturity the following spring.
Ripening is important
If you want to cultivate oranges in Germany, you should use early-ripening varieties such as the navel oranges "Fukumoto" or "Newhall". Other varieties such as B. "Navelina", on the other hand, only ripen from November, many Valencia oranges only in late winter or spring of the following year. Oranges should only be harvested when they are fully ripe because - in contrast to other fruits such as e.g. B. Peaches - do not ripen.
tips and tricks
You can't tell whether an orange is really ripe by looking at its skin. In order for the fruit to turn bright orange, it needs cool temperatures - otherwise it simply remains green, but is still ripe. Ripe oranges can stay on the tree for up to 14 months.