Orange - Navel Tree
Sale
Original price
$99.00
Original price
$99.00
-
Original price
$99.00
Original price
$99.00
Current price
$49.00
$49.00
-
$49.00
Current price
$49.00
Taste of the Orange Navel TreeThe Orange Navel Tree yields the iconic Washington Navel orange, prized for its exceptionally sweet, seedless flesh that bursts with bright, juicy citrus flavor balanced by a subtle tang and fragrant zest. The deep orange, thick-skinned fruit peels effortlessly to reveal crisp, tender segments rich in vitamin C, offering a refreshing, honeyed sweetness with minimal acidity—ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or garnishing. Its hallmark "navel" at the blossom end adds a whimsical touch, while the juice delivers a clean, aromatic finish without bitterness, making it a breakfast staple and culinary favorite worldwide. Harvested from late fall through spring, this reliable winter orange provides consistent gourmet quality that elevates snacks, desserts, and beverages with sun-ripened perfection.Common Names and OverviewCommonly known as Washington Navel Orange, Bahia Navel, or simply Navel Orange, this evergreen citrus originated from a single mutation in a Brazilian monastery orchard around 1820, later propagated in California by the USDA in 1873. It's also called Riverside Navel in historical contexts, honoring its introduction to Southern California. As a standard-sized tree with rounded canopy and thornless branches, it combines ornamental glossy foliage, fragrant white spring blossoms, and heavy fruit loads, making it a cornerstone of commercial and home orchards. Self-fertile and cold-tolerant among sweet oranges, it suits edible landscapes, patios, or large containers, delivering reliable yields that shaped the global citrus industry.Best Growing EnvironmentThe Orange Navel Tree thrives in Mediterranean to subtropical climates with hot, dry summers and mild, frost-free winters, such as California’s Central Valley or Florida’s southern zones, where it avoids chilling winds and benefits from excellent drainage. It demands deep, well-draining sandy loam or loamy soils enriched with compost, maintaining a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 to prevent iron chlorosis and support vigorous roots. In containers, citrus-specific potting mixes ensure portability for marginal climates, while organic mulch moderates soil temperature and retains moisture. Good air circulation curbs fungal diseases like phytophthora, and raised beds suit heavier soils; overall, it flourishes in sunny, sheltered havens that mimic its Riverside heritage for consistent, high-quality fruit.Average Height and Growth RateThe Orange Navel Tree typically reaches an average mature height of 15 to 25 feet, with a spread of 12 to 20 feet, forming a broad, rounded canopy ideal for medium orchards or as a standalone specimen. On dwarf rootstock, it can be maintained at 8 to 12 feet through pruning for patios or small yards, while standard trees may exceed 30 feet in deep soils. The growth rate is moderate, adding 12 to 24 inches annually after establishment, with initial focus on root development before upright branching accelerates in spring. This steady pace supports fruiting within 3 to 5 years for grafted trees, producing heavy crops that require thinning to prevent limb breakage.Sun RequirementsFull sun exposure—delivering 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily—is essential for the Orange Navel Tree, fueling robust growth, vibrant rind color, and maximum sweetness in its seedless fruits. South- or west-facing sites optimize this, preventing leggy branches or reduced yields from shade, though light afternoon filtering in extreme heat avoids leaf scorch. In containers or northern zones, position near bright windows or use grow lights to replicate conditions, as insufficient sun leads to sparse blooms and bland flavor. Optimal brightness ensures thick, flavorful peels and juicy interiors, making sunny placements critical for transforming this tree into a prolific, aromatic performer.Cold HardinessThe Orange Navel Tree offers good cold hardiness for a sweet orange, tolerating brief dips to 20°F (-7°C) on mature trees with minimal damage, though young plants and fruit require protection below 28°F to prevent bud drop or rind pitting. It's reliably hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, thriving in zone 9b with mulch and windbreaks; prolonged freezes damage crops, but recovery is strong with spring warmth. In zone 9a, site near south-facing walls for microclimate benefits, and for zones 8 or below, container culture allows indoor overwintering above 50°F. This resilience extends its range beyond tender citrus, though frost vigilance ensures winter harvests.Water RequirementsThe Orange Navel Tree requires consistent, deep watering to sustain its shallow roots, providing 1 to 2 inches weekly during active growth to maintain even soil moisture without saturation—vital for juicy fruit and disease prevention. Newly planted trees need twice-weekly soakings in the first two years, tapering to every 7 to 14 days for established ones, always checking 2 inches deep for dryness before irrigating. Reduce in winter to rainfall levels, using drip systems for precision; overwatering invites root rot, while drought yields small, thick-skinned fruits. Mulch conserves hydration in heat, and containers demand more frequent checks due to faster evaporation, ensuring balanced care for peak flavor and size.Planting Guide
- Select a grafted Washington Navel sapling in 3- to 5-gallon pots during spring or fall, choosing healthy, thornless specimens with vibrant foliage for fruiting in 3-5 years.
- Choose a full-sun site with well-draining loamy soil (pH 6.0-7.5); amend with compost if needed and space 15-20 feet apart or use 15-25 gallon drained pots for dwarf varieties.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, positioning the graft union 2 inches above soil level to avoid rot.
- Gently tease circling roots, backfill with native soil blended 50/50 with organic matter, and tamp lightly to eliminate air pockets.
- Water deeply post-planting until runoff appears, then apply 3-4 inches of mulch like wood chips to the drip line, keeping it 6 inches from the trunk.
- For containers, fill with citrus potting mix and place in sunny, sheltered spots; stake young trees against winds.
- Monitor for settling in the first month, providing temporary shade in extreme heat and thinning heavy fruit sets to support branches.
- Timing: Apply in early spring (February-March) as growth resumes, mid-spring (April-May) for bloom support, early summer (June) for fruit swell, and a light fall dose (September) post-harvest; avoid late feeds to harden wood before winter.
- Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks during active growth (March-September) for young trees, quarterly for matures, splitting total nitrogen into three applications to match demands.
- Specific Recommendations: Use a balanced citrus fertilizer like 8-4-8 or 6-4-6 NPK (e.g., Espoma Citrus-Tone or J.R. Peters 20-10-20) at 1-1.5 pounds actual nitrogen per year for matures, divided across doses; supplement micronutrients (iron, zinc, manganese) via foliar sprays if leaves yellow, or organics like blood meal for phosphorus.
- Application Tips: Broadcast under the canopy to the drip line, then irrigate deeply; annual soil tests guide pH and nutrient needs, favoring slow-release formulas to prevent burn and sustain heavy crops.