Florida Citrus: Favorite Types, Varieties and Harvest Times

In addition to a robust flavor and satisfying sweetness, the different types of Florida citrus help make these crops among the favorites of consumers. From the humble beginnings of orange seeds brought to the Florida by Ponce de Leon in 1513 to the latest hybrids of mouth-watering oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and more, Florida citrus growers keep America and the world pleasingly supplied.

Oranges

Florida citrus grove owners produce several varieties of oranges including the popular seedless naval, the remarkably juicy Valencia and the tangy-sweet Temple. All oranges grown in the Florida citrus regions are renowned throughout the world as being the finest in the world. Size, appearance and taste variances occur, making any one variety the “best” a matter of personal opinion. True orange aficionados know the differences in these varieties of oranges and also know that all feature a far-above-average quality found only in Florida citrus.

Beginning in November and lasting until June, Sunshine State fruit sellers market these select members of the Florida citrus family, with peak harvest times in December.

Grapefruit

A Barbados-originating hybrid first grown in the 1900s, the grapefruit boasts not only its share of top-grade nutrition, but a refreshing flavor uniquely its own. Varieties and hybrids, often with names reflecting the color of the fruit’s pulp, include the highly favored, seedless Ruby Red, which was the first patented grapefruit, cultivated under the Redblush variety. Other cultivars within this elite and delicious group of Florida citrus include Pink, White, Thompson, Marsh, Duncan, Flame and Star.

From October throughout June marks the normal Grapefruit harvest and marketing times for Florida citrus grove owners and other sellers.

Tangerines

A variant of the mandarin orange, tangerines are a Florida citrus featuring a smaller size, sweeter taste and a more deeply hued skin than the orange. The tangerine is very easy to peel with its fruit separating beautifully into almost-bite-sized segments. Due to its exceptional sweetness, Florida citrus growers most widely market Honey tangerines, officially known as “Murcotts” after the 1920s Florida grove owner Charles Murcott Smith. Other popular varieties of the tangerine include the Sunburst, Fairchild, Robinson, Fallglo and the Dancy.

Tangerines mature and are available from Florida citrus growers January through March, depending on the variety.

Florida’s Citrus Outlook

With ideal growing conditions such as sandy soil, a subtropical climate and the hands-on experience of growers and marketers that goes back more than 150 years, the future of Florida citrus continues to look good – and as welcoming as the orchards themselves.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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