Florida and oranges go together like peanut butter and jelly. The juicy citrus fruit grows well in the sandy Florida soil and the farmland used to be covered in orange groves. Now there are significantly less orange groves than there used to be but you can find them if you’re looking. Here are six groves where you can pick your own oranges in Florida.
The oranges we picked were delicious! They were incredibly juicy and sweet, so juicy in fact they were practically falling apart and dripping down our hands once we started eating them at home. That is what is in store for you once you pick your own oranges!
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What type of oranges grow in Florida? When are they in season?
There are so many different types of oranges in Florida and even more types of citrus! Here is a short breakdown of the most common varieties as well as when they are in season! Sources: visitflorida, edis, blogs.ifas
Honeybell Oranges: Available in January only
Navel Oranges: Available October-February
Hamlin Oranges: Available October-January
Pineapple Oranges: Available December-February
Ambersweet Oranges: Available October-January
Valencia Oranges: Available February-June
Temple Oranges: Available January-March
Flame Grapefruit: Available October-June
March White Grapefruit: Available September-April
Ruby Red Grapefruit: Available October-April
Tangerines: Available from October-February
Quick List of U-Pick Orange Groves in Florida
- The Showcase of Citrus
- Ridge Island Groves
- Dooley Groves
- Vo-LaSalle Farms
- Hancock Groves
- Graham Farms
How to Pick an Orange
To tell which oranges are ripe you will rely heavily on color. You want oranges that are a good bright orange or yellow color and don’t have much green. Different varieties of oranges look different when they are ripe.
You can also squeeze the oranges gently, you want them to be firm and not too squishy. You can always ask the groves staff for tips to pick the perfect orange, they are always very helpful and knowledgeable.
When pulling the oranges off the trees, pull or twist gently, some will come off more easily than others. That is why many of the groves offer clippers as well. Try to avoid ripping the orange peel or else the orange won’t stay fresh as long. Remember, citrus does not continue to ripen once it is picked off the tree so only pick what is currently ripe.
How to Keep Oranges Fresh
Oranges will stay fresh unrefrigerated for about 4-5 days after being picked. If you refrigerate them, they will last up to 3 weeks after being picked. If you can’t eat all the oranges you picked in that amount of time and you need to use up a lot of oranges at once, consider making orange juice, orange pie or some other recipe that calls for oranges. I’m sure you can find something delicious on Pinterest.
1. The Showcase of Citrus
Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
Phone Number: 352-394-4377
Schedule: Open all year long
Orange Varieties: 50+ citrus varieties with everything from valencia oranges, navel oranges and tangerines to grapefruit, lemons and limes!
Cost: Entrance to the grove costs $5 for adults 13+ and $4 for kids 4-12. Fruit is then purchased by weight.
Other Attractions: Showcase of Citrus also offers monster truck tours of the farm, gem mining, farm animals you can feed as well as a farm shop you can look through.
Pet Friendly: Yes, the farm is pet friendly but pets must be leashed at all times.
2. Ridge Island Groves
Address: 6000 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City, FL 33844
Phone Number: 863-422-0333
Schedule: The groves are open for u-pick Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm
Orange Varieties: Ridge Island Groves grows pineapple oranges, navels, valencias, tangerines, sugarbells and honeybell tangelos as well as grapefruit and pomelos.
Cost: Pick from the 10lbs bag for $18 or the 20lbs bag for $30 and fill it up.
Other Attractions: There is a great farm store and usually a food truck or two to purchase food from.
More U-Pick in Florida
- 13 Flower Farms in Florida to Visit Today
- Strawberry U-Pick Farms in the Tampa Bay Area
- Peach and Sunflower Picking at Southern Hill Farms
- Go Blueberry Picking in Tampa at these 13 U-Pick Fields
3. Dooley Groves
Read about our visit to Dooley Groves.
Address: 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone Number: 813-645-3256
Schedule: Open everyday from 10am – 4pm while oranges are in season.
Orange Varieties: Oranges to Pick: Honeybells, Pineapple Oranges, Red Grapefruit, Tangerines, Navel Oranges, Sugarbelles, Temple Oranges
Cost: The grove is free to enter and you only pay for what you pick by weight at $2.59 per lbs.
Other Attractions: There is a large farm shop you can shop at before or after you pick your florida oranges. They have everything from orange blossom candles, orange juice, and picked-for-you fruit to Florida citrus themed gifts and desserts.
Pet Friendly: No
4. Vo-LaSalle Farms
Address: 601 Johnson Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL 32130
Phone Number: 386-985-0046
Schedule: Vo-LaSalle Farms is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm.
Orange Varieties: Navel oranges and Hamlin oranges
Cost: You can choose to purchase a ¼ bushel bag for $8 or a ½ bushel bag for $14
Other Attractions: There are many u-pick options at Vo-LaSalle Farms like lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, green beans, cucumbers and even zinnias.
5. Hancock Groves
Address: 31107 Blanton Rd, Dade City FL 33523
Phone Number: 352-457-0845
Schedule: Thursday through Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Orange Varieties: Honeybells, sunburst tangerines, hamlets, and navels
Other Attractions: Hancock Groves also offers strawberry u-pick, peach u-pick
6. Graham Farms
Address: 14803 Lake Yale Rd, Umatilla, Florida 32784
Phone Number: 352-636-3821
Orange Varieties: Graham Farms grows Honeybells, Red Navels and Sugar Bells.
Other Attractions: This farm also offers u-pick peaches and flowers as well as an event venue.
Why Pick Your Own Oranges?
There is nothing more quintessentially Florida than picking your own oranges. I feel the real question should be why not pick your own oranges? Then the answer would be a simple “you should”. Since you asked though…
Picking your own oranges is a wonderful opportunity to get outside as a family or with a group of friends and bond as you walk through the orange groves full of orange blossom fragrance. It makes a great afternoon activity that all your kids will enjoy.
U-pick oranges are also a great way to support local farmers. This way you are buying local, directly from the source which cuts out all the middleman. The farmers are so kind to go through the extra work of providing u-pick opportunities. But it really provides a fun activity for you and is hopefully mutually beneficial for them.
What to Wear Orange Picking in Florida
While orange picking make sure you wear proper attire, especially shoes.
The first time I went orange picking I wore a skirt which actually caused no problems but the sandals I chose were not a good idea. My feet were filthy by the end.
It is recommended that you wear long pants and close toed shoes. This will keep your feet much more clean and protect you from the ants and elements better. This is Florida and it can get HOT. Luckily, orange season is in the winter so most likely you’ll have gorgeous warm weather. Always check the forecast before heading out though, this time of year it can be as cold as 50 F or as warm as 80 F. Dress accordingly!
More Florida Fun:
- Lavender Fields in Florida You Can Visit
- One Day in Key West, Florida
- Things To Do on a Day Trip to Anna Maria Island, FL
- Best Fun Things To Do in Tampa, FL
Tips for Picking Your Own Oranges
- There are ants in the fields and in the trees and they bite. Avoid leaning on the trees and watch out when you are reaching for oranges higher up.
- To tell which oranges are ripe you will rely heavily on color. You want oranges that are a good orange color that don’t have much green. Different varieties of oranges look different when they are ripe. You can also squeeze the oranges gently, you want them to be firm and not too squishy. Ask the groves staff for tips to pick the perfect orange, they are very helpful.
- At most orange groves baskets and clippers are provided but double check online first. Or bring a bag or basket just in case.
- It is a good idea to bring water since you’ll be walking outside for a good amount of time and it can get hot.
U-Pick Oranges in Florida
Alright, that is everything you need to know to pick your own oranges in Florida! There are several locations so pick the one that is the best fit for your group and make a day of it. Have fun and enjoy your day in the life of a true Florida farmer.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
