Where can you pick citrus in winter? U-pick oranges in CA, FL, TX and AZ

Updated Nov 2026 · 3 min read · By the U-Pick Near team

Quick answer

Short version: citrus is ripe in winter, so it is the main thing to pick from December to spring in California, Florida, Texas and Arizona. Navel oranges and most mandarins are winter fruit, while Valencia oranges ripen later; color is not a reliable sign, so taste one before picking a bag.

When is citrus in season?

UC Master Gardeners list Washington navel oranges from December to May, Satsuma mandarins from December to April, most mandarins from January to April and Valencia oranges from April to October. Exact timing depends on the variety and local weather. Grapefruit and lemons often hang on the tree for months.

How can you tell if an orange is ripe?

Taste it. UC IPM notes that citrus turns orange in response to cool weather, not sweetness, and some ripe Valencias still look greenish. Citrus does not get sweeter after picking, so pick only what is ready. Twist and lift, or use clippers if the farm asks, and leave a short stem so you do not tear the peel. Picked fruit keeps for weeks in the fridge.

Which citrus farms are on U-Pick Near?

Citrus u-pick is less common than berries or apples, and our sources do not tag it directly. These farms in citrus states mention citrus, oranges or mandarins in their listing. Check each one's site before you go: listings can be out of date.

Cotton Lane Citrus Bradley Family Farms Friesian Groves, Surprise, AZ
Adna Farms, Temecula, CA
Boyett's Citrus Grove, Brooksville, FL
Morse Mandarin Farms, Oroville, CA
Showcase of Citrus, Clermont, FL
Brown's Grove Citrus & Produce, LLC, Parrish, FL
Green Acres Fernery & Citrus, Inc., Yalaha, FL
Sandhill Citrus, Arcadia, FL
Seale Navel Oranges, Hamilton City, CA
The Freckled Frog at Bishop Citrus Inc., Arcadia, FL
The Lazy S Citrus Grove, Mercedes, TX
U-Pick Citrus, Immokalee, FL

Also browse California, Florida, Texas and Arizona farms, or the u-pick hub.

What should you bring?

A sturdy bag or basket, sun protection (winter sun is strong in the desert) and a cooler if the drive is long. Read what you can pick in winter for other ideas.

Quick questions

When is orange picking season?

Navel oranges are mostly winter fruit, roughly December to spring in California. Valencia oranges ripen later, into summer.

Does an orange ripen after picking?

No. Citrus does not get sweeter after it is picked, so taste one before you pick more.

Sources

General guidance, not advice for a specific farm. Farm rules, prices and dates vary, so check with the farm.