My tree has three oranges since jun 2010 and they are still green. Is this normal? What should I do? |
Oranges can take 3-4 months to ripen but not all varieties turn a bright orange when they are ripe. For instance, Hamlin oranges stay green and sometimes have a yellowish cast even when they are ripe. You can test when they are ready for harvesting by giving them a gentle squeeze. The fruit should feel like a tennis ball more or less. Firm when rested in the hand, but easy to squeeze. Then of course, comes the taste test. If one of them is ready, chances are all the oranges of similar size are ready. Try harvesting and cutting one open. If the flesh is sweet and juicy, the others are ripe, too. |