Have the experience of picking your own citrus right off thee tree by visiting one of the u-pick Florida citrus operations listed below.
Planning to make a trip to Florida during the winter this season?
Why not come back with more than a tan? Why not come back with some freshly picked oranges, that you selected off the tree yourself.
As a resident of a non citrus grower state and a big fan of u-picking, I have always wanted to go out and pick my own citrus. So I did my research.
Unfortunately I didn't find very much. After quite a bit of searching I only came up with 5 places (see below) that I could confirm that were offering u-pick oranges or some other type of citrus.
I have offering these listings on my blog for years, but finally in January 2023, I got to visit Florida and reap the benefits myself.
The Florida citrus industry is not what it use to be. The Citrus greening disease has heavily damaged their crops. Many farmers have moved away from growing oranges and move onto other crops. With the development of peaches that can grow in climates with very few cold hours, peaches have replaced some of the citrus groves.
But that doesn't mean you can't still pick your own. Let's show you where to go.
🍊 When Is The Season?
The season for harvesting citrus in Florida runs from November to May depending on the weather that year. For the widest selection, I believe January to be your best month.
🚜 U-Pick Farm Locations
These citrus groves are a great way to experience Florida. Feel like you are heading back in time to when oranges were thriving in the Sunshine state.
Here is some information about the places that I did find online that said anything about having u-pick.
If you know of any other place offering u-pick citrus, please leave a comment below.
Dooley Groves | 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
This is the citrus grove that I was able to visit myself. We had a such a fun time there. They are THE place to go to pick Florida's famous Honeybells. They had pick as much as you want for $2.89 a pound on both Honeybells, Red Grapefruit, and Pineapple Oranges (great for juicing). They also have several other types of citrus in the store like Navels, Juicy Crunch tangerines, Autumn Honey tangerines, pomelos, and more.
The Honeybell season lasts to March, even into April in a good year. It helps that they have the largest u-pick grove of Honeybells in the state.
My wife thought they were the best citrus she has ever had. She loves how juicy they were.
Showcase of Citrus | 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
I wasn't able to stop here but I did drive by and snap a picture of their old building, which is what is pictured above.
They offer the best selection of U-pick citrus in Florida including different types of Navels, Honeybells, Valencia, Sugar Belle, Grapefruit, Honey Tangerines, Tango tangerines, Pomelos, Limes, and Meyer Lemons.
Also you can go on a monster truck ride. Yes you heard me correctly. Only u-pick place that I have heard offers that. They sell their citrus either by the bag or loose fruit by the pound.
Ridge Island Groves | 6000 Polk City Road, Haines City, FL 33844
The latest thing I have heard them offering is 5lb for $12 for picking your own Pineapple Oranges. They also sell many other varieties in their stores as well as strawberries from Plant City.
Hancock Groves | 31107 Blanton Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
***UPDATE*** - According to Google this place is permanently closed. I can't find a website and their Facebook page has not been updated in a long time.
Vo-LaSalle Farms | 601 Johnson Lake Rd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
In past years you have been able to pick Navels, Hamlin oranges, Temple Oranges and Pink grapefruit in season. Not sure that is still the case on citrus. They do also do u-pick vegetables. I would call them before venturing out. I know recent hurricanes have had a big affect on their business.
Have you ever picked or visited any of these places. Share your experiences in the comments below.
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