US-119 Orange Tree

18-28" tall US-119 Orange Tree

US 119 is a hybrid developed by the USDA in the early 1980s for breeding purposes. Its parentage is 50 percent citrumelo (Grapefruit x Trifoliate orange) and 50 percent Succari sweet orange. The tree is large and spreading, similar to a grapefruit, with attractive large leaves that are mostly unifoliate but occasionally are bifoliate and trifoliate. The tree is mostly thornless. Like many hybrids involving Trifoliate orange, US 119 is a very hardy citrus. Mature plants withstand temperatures down to 15F or lower without serious injury. Fruit is almost perfectly round and the size and color of a common orange. Fruit are very firm to the touch, with very little “give.” Inside, the fruit are orange with firm flesh and a moderate amount of juice. Visually, the average person would call US 119 an “orange.” The taste is unique: the fruit are very sweet, with hints of pineapple and mango. However, early in the season, there is also a noticeable Trifoliate aftertaste. Some people find this aftertaste objectionable; others find that it adds to the complexity of flavors. In any case, the Trifoliate aftertaste dissipates over time and fruit become very sweet late in the season – if not frozen off, ripe fruit will hold on the tree until at least April. Judged on its own terms, US 119 is a very good, hardy citrus.

• Mature Tree Height: 15-20 feet
• Ripens: November
• Hardiness: Low Teens F.
• Taste: Very sweet, with hints of pineapple and mango

Our trees are grafted with mature buds so our trees will fruit quicker.

* Hardiness temperatures are approximate, and indicate where fully dormant, mature trees may experience significant damage.