Orange - Red Navel Bush
Sale
Original price
$49.00
Original price
$49.00
-
Original price
$49.00
Original price
$49.00
Current price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
Current price
$29.00
Red Navel Orange Bush (Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara') Growing and Care Guide
- Taste of the Fruit: The Red Navel Orange, commonly known as Cara Cara, features a distinctive sweet, low-acid flavor with complex berry-like undertones reminiscent of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry, combined with classic bright citrus notes. The vibrant pinkish-red to reddish-orange flesh is exceptionally juicy, tender, and aromatic, offering a richer and more nuanced profile than standard navel oranges while remaining seedless in most conditions; this makes it outstanding for fresh eating, juicing, salads, and desserts, with fruit that develops its signature color and sweetness best in warm climates.
- Botanical Name and Common Names: The botanical name is Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara' (also known as a red-fleshed navel orange). Common names include Red Navel Orange, Cara Cara Navel Orange, Red Navel, Pink Navel, Red-Fleshed Navel Orange, and occasionally Power Orange; it originated as a natural mutation of the Washington Navel orange discovered in Venezuela in the 1970s.
- Average Height and Growth Rate: When grown and maintained as a bush (typically on semi-dwarf rootstock and regularly pruned), a Red Navel Orange Bush reaches an average height of 8–12 feet tall and wide, though unpruned semi-dwarf trees can grow 12–18 feet. The growth rate is moderate, with grafted young plants establishing well and beginning reliable fruit production within 3–5 years under optimal conditions; consistent pruning encourages a compact, bushy shape and improves air circulation.
- Best Growing Environment and Sun Requirements: These trees thrive in warm subtropical climates with well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0) that is fertile and rich in organic matter. They require full sun exposure of at least 6–8 hours (ideally 8–10 hours) of direct sunlight daily to support strong flowering, fruit set, deep flesh coloration, and maximum sweetness; good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues, while consistent warm temperatures (70–90F) during the growing season promote the best flavor and vibrant red pigmentation.
- USDA Zone and Cold Hardiness: The Red Navel Orange Bush is recommended for USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. It has moderate cold hardiness for a navel orange, tolerating brief dips to around 28–30F with protection, though fruit and young growth can be damaged by prolonged freezes below 28F; it performs excellently in containers in cooler microclimates, allowing easy relocation during cold snaps.
- Water Requirements: Red Navel Orange Bushes need deep, infrequent watering to develop strong roots while maintaining evenly moist (never waterlogged) soil—superior drainage is critical to avoid root rot. Newly planted or container-grown bushes may require watering 2–3 times per week in hot, dry weather, while established in-ground plants generally need thorough deep watering every 7–14 days during the active season (increasing frequency in extreme heat); reduce watering in winter, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between applications.
- Planting Guide: Plant Red Navel Orange Bushes in spring after the danger of frost has passed (or in fall in warmer zones) in a sunny, well-drained location. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, backfilling with native soil amended for drainage or a high-quality citrus potting mix in containers of at least 20–25 gallons with multiple drainage holes. Space in-ground bushes 8–12 feet apart (or wider if allowing larger growth); apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base (kept several inches away from the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and control weeds.
- Fertilizing Times of Year with Specific Recommended Fertilizer: Fertilize Red Navel Orange Bushes three times per year during the active growing season—typically in late winter/early spring (February, prior to bloom), late spring (May), and early summer (June)—to fuel healthy foliage, flowering, and fruit development without promoting tender growth susceptible to cold. Use a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer such as a slow-release 6-4-6, 8-3-9, or 7-4-4 formula that includes essential micronutrients (magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium); apply according to tree size and label instructions, water deeply after each application, and refrain from fertilizing in late fall through mid-winter to minimize cold damage risk.