Navel orange (Citrus × sinensis 'Washington')
The Navel orange, Citrus × sinensis 'Washington', offers seedless, sweet fruit and fragrant spring blossoms in USDA Zones 9-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ cultivar, widely known as the Navel orange, is highly prized by home gardeners for its reliable production of seedless, sweet fruit. This beautiful broadleaf evergreen brings year-round greenery to the landscape, often accented by highly fragrant white blossoms that appear prominently in the spring. As a medium-sized tree, the Navel orange provides significant ornamental appeal alongside its practical edible harvest.
Originating as a hybrid between a pomelo and a mandarin, the Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ thrives where winters are mild, making it a reliable feature tree in warmer climates. Its adaptability allows it to function as an ornamental specimen, providing structure and pleasant aroma near patios or walkways within its optimal hardiness range.
Gardeners looking for an early winter fruit harvest will appreciate this cultivar because its fruit matures earlier than many other sweet orange varieties. Successful cultivation of the Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ requires attention to soil drainage and frost protection, ensuring this valuable citrus tree remains productive for years.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rutaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: “8-15 ft”
- Spread: “8-15 ft”
- Bloom Time: March to April
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Navel orange should occur when the danger of hard frost has passed, typically late spring or early summer, allowing the roots time to establish before winter stress. This tree performs best in deep, evenly moist, well-draining, slightly acidic, sandy loams. Critically, Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ is intolerant of heavy, saturated soils, which can quickly lead to root rot in citrus.
Watering needs are medium; maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development, but allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings. While specific fertilization schedules vary, citrus trees generally benefit from balanced fertilizers high in nitrogen, applied during the growing season. Pruning is minimal for this cultivar, primarily focusing on removing dead or crossing branches to maintain the rounded canopy shape.
Special care is required for frost protection, as young trees and new spring growth are highly susceptible to damage if temperatures drop below 32°F. In borderline Zone 10 climates or colder areas, growing the Navel orange in a large container allows it to be moved to a protected, cool, bright location indoors during winter months. Note that the ‘Washington’ cultivar prefers a somewhat narrow climate range and does not handle extreme heat or desert dryness well.
Landscape Uses
The Navel orange serves beautifully as a small ornamental tree in the Mediterranean or edible garden setting, lending an exotic, lush feel with its glossy evergreen foliage. Its naturally rounded canopy provides excellent specimen structure, whether planted near entryways or as a focal point in a mixed border. Because the flowers are fragrant, positioning the tree where pedestrian traffic will pass nearby in spring enhances the garden experience.
Beyond its ornamental value, the primary use is, of course, the fruit production. Growing the Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ in a dedicated edible landscape allows easy access to fresh citrus. If space is limited, this tree adapts remarkably well to container cultivation, making it a viable option for patios or balconies, though its mature size may be somewhat restricted.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Citrus sinensis, commonly known as orange or sweet orange, is a small evergreen tree originally domesticated in subtropical Asia. The ‘Washington’ variety is a specific Navel orange cultivar known for its sweet, seedless fruit and an easy-to-peel rind that matures earlier in winter than other oranges. At maturity, these trees typically reach a medium size of up to 15 feet tall with a similar spread, featuring well-branched, rounded canopies.
Tolerances
(No data provided)
Potential Problems
The Navel orange can be targeted by several common citrus pests that require active monitoring. These pests include citrus rust mite, citrus snow scale, purple scale, Florida red scale, mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, and various fruit flies. Integrated pest management strategies, including horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps, are often necessary to control infestations.
In addition to insects, various fungal and bacterial diseases can affect oranges. Gardeners should watch for symptoms of greasy spot, stem-end rot, sweet orange scab, citrus canker, and the serious threat of citrus greening disease. Maintaining excellent air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring excellent drainage are key preventative measures against these common citrus ailments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Navel orange suitable for?
The Navel orange, or Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’, is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 10.
How large does Navel orange grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 8 to 15 feet, with a similar spread of 8 to 15 feet.
What sun exposure does Navel orange need?
The Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ requires full sun exposure to produce optimal fruit and maintain vigorous growth.
When does Navel orange bloom?
Bloom time for the Navel orange is generally from March to April, producing attractive white flowers.
Conclusion
The Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ stands out as a premier choice for gardeners seeking both significant ornamental value and delicious, seedless fruit production in warm climates. Its signature fragrant spring blossoms and early winter harvest make the effort required for proper care worthwhile. Before planting your Navel orange, confirm that your location falls securely within USDA Zones 9 or 10 and prepare the soil for excellent drainage.
Companion Planting
When selecting plants to grow near your Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’, prioritize species with similar water and sun requirements. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender thrive in the full sun and appreciate the slightly acidic conditions that favor citrus. Avoid planting shallow-rooted annuals immediately adjacent to the tree base, as you want to prevent competition for surface moisture and nutrients critical to the young developing roots of the orange tree.
Consider grouping the Navel orange with other semi-tropical edibles such as figs or pomegranates if your climate permits, creating a cohesive edible zone. Ensure that any companion plants do not create dense shade, which is detrimental to the Navel orange. Proper spacing is crucial to allow for airflow, which minimizes humidity buildup that encourages fungal issues.
Container Growing
The Citrus × sinensis ‘Washington’ adapts well to container culture, a vital consideration for gardeners in marginal zones. Choose a container that is significantly larger than the root ball, preferably ceramic or terracotta to allow the soil to breathe, though plastic can help retain more moisture if necessary. Use a high-quality, well-aerated potting mix specifically formulated for citrus or cacti, which typically contains sand or perlite for superior drainage.
When growing this Navel orange in a pot, watering frequency will generally increase compared to inground planting, especially during hot summers. Fertilize regularly during the active growing season, following the directions for a specialized citrus fertilizer to ensure adequate micronutrients. Remember that containerized specimens must be protected from any frost event by moving them indoors or into a greenhouse when temperatures drop near freezing.
