Identity
History & Description
Origin
Fukumoto is an early mutation of the Washington Navel orange, discovered in Japan in Wakayama Prefecture in 1968. It was noticed and propagated for its early maturity and exceptional color, establishing itself as a choice alternative to classic navels for fall harvests.Tree description
It is a tree of medium to low vigor, with a compact, rounded habit. It is very decorative, especially when bearing its colorful fruit, and suits sheltered gardens.Fruit quality
This navel produces round fruit with a very characteristic deep reddish-orange rind, ripening very early, from October-November.Flavor and ornamental interest
Its flesh is tender, juicy, and very fragrant. Its exceptional visual appeal and earliness make it an excellent table orange to start the citrus season.Updated:
What matters when choosing
Key points about Fukumoto Orange
Fukumoto is a Japanese Navel orange valued for its reddish-orange color and early maturity. It can advance the sweet-orange season, but has limited cold hardiness, and some combinations with Carrizo rootstock have shown decline.
Why choose it
- Early maturity and coloration.
- Attractive reddish-orange peel and Navel-type flesh.
- Tree often more compact than other Navels.
Its limits
- Low freeze tolerance.
- Incompatibility or decline reported on some rootstocks.
- Possible susceptibility to coloration and peel defects.
Practical notes
- Type
- Navel orange
- Origin
- Japanese selection
- Harvest at Riverside
- November through January
Cold-hardiness reference: about 18°F (−8°C)
Early harvest reduces the fruit’s exposure to winter freezes without making the tree more resistant than a sweet orange.
Sources and method
The temperatures given are reference points for a mature tree with hardened wood. The table and callout repeat the same value as the profile. They guarantee neither freedom from damage nor a harvest after a freezing event.
Data reviewed on October 7, 2026.
- Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection — UCR — Origin, season, color, habit, and decline problem
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources — Very early positioning and orchard management
- Citrus Australia — Fruit characteristics and agronomic behavior