Navel orange (Citrus × sinensis 'Trovita')

Overview

The Navel orange, scientifically known as Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’, is a highly valued variety prized for its predictably sweet and juicy fruit encased in thin, easily peeled skin. This cultivar offers reliable commercial and backyard production, making the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ essential for home growers seeking high-quality citrus. As a broadleaf evergreen, it provides year-round structure and glossy, aromatic foliage to the landscape, complemented by clusters of fragrant white flowers in early spring.

Originating as a seedling mutation likely related to the Washington Navel, ‘Trovita’ offers the significant advantage of ripening without requiring intense periods of high heat, thus extending its appeal to slightly cooler or semi-arid regions previously unsuitable for other cultivars. Gardeners benefit from its manageable size, typically remaining between 5 and 25 feet tall, and its adaptability as a container specimen indoors during winter.

This particular strain of sweet orange is genetically a complex hybrid, tracing back to crosses involving mandarin and pomelo ancestors in subtropical Asia. Planting the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ ensures a beautiful, functional landscape tree capable of delivering edible rewards as well as ornamental appeal throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rutaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 5-25 ft
  • Spread: 5-25 ft
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal fruiting and health, plant your Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ in early spring after the danger of frost has completely passed, ideally in full sun exposure. The selection of soil is critical; best results occur in deep, evenly moist, well-draining, slightly acidic, sandy loams. Ensure the planting site avoids heavy, saturated soils, as citrus cannot tolerate standing water around its roots.

Water needs for the Navel orange are medium, requiring consistent moisture, especially when the tree is young or actively setting fruit. Adopt a deep and infrequent watering schedule rather than short, shallow sprinkles. While formal fertilizing schedules vary by region, applying a balanced fertilizer formulated specifically for citrus during the active growing season (spring through early fall) will support robust growth and abundant Navel orange harvests.

Routine maintenance involves monitoring for pests and ensuring any new spring growth is protected if temperatures are forecasted to dip below 32°F, as even established trees can suffer damage. If overwintering indoors in colder climates, reduce watering significantly and ensure the container plant still receives bright light to prevent dormancy stress. Pruning should be minimal, primarily focusing on removing dead or crossing branches and managing overall size for container growing.

Landscape Uses

The sweet orange provides excellent multi-season interest, serving well as a striking flowering tree or a fragrant focal point in Mediterranean or edible gardens. Because the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ can be maintained as a manageable specimen, it excels as a specimen plant near patios where its spring fragrance can be fully appreciated. Its dense, glossy evergreen habit also makes it suitable, though occasionally thorny, for informal screening purposes.

When growing this Navel orange in an edible garden layout, pair it with drought-tolerant Mediterranean companions such as rosemary, lavender, or globe artichokes once established, provided their water needs can be managed separately or during the non-fruiting season. For a truly abundant container display, place the potted Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ on casters, allowing it to be moved to the sunniest location possible during winter months.

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 glossy, aromatic leaves are ovate in shape and slender spines may be found on new growth. ‘Trovita’ is particularly valued because it produces juicy and sweet oranges with thin, easy to peel skin and does not require sustained high heat for ripening, making it an excellent container candidate.

Tolerances

There is no data provided for specific environmental tolerances outside of general hardiness zones.

Potential Problems

The Navel orange is susceptible to a range of common citrus pests and diseases that require proactive management. Insect pests frequently observed include whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, fruit flies, and various scales (purple scale, Florida red scale) and mites (citrus rust mite). Growers should inspect foliage regularly for early signs of infestation.

To manage these issues, regular monitoring and the use of horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can control soft-bodied pests. Regarding diseases, watch for signs of greasy spot, stem-end rot, and the highly concerning citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). While cultural care prevents many issues, planting certified disease-free stock of Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ is the best preventative measure against severe outbreaks affecting the fruit quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Navel orange suitable for?

The optimal environment for growing Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 10.

How large does Navel orange grow?

When fully mature, this variety typically reaches a height between 5 and 25 feet, with a similar spread range of 5 to 25 feet.

What sun exposure does Navel orange need?

This citrus variety performs best when planted in a location receiving full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Navel orange bloom?

The fragrant white blossoms of the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ generally appear between March and April.

Conclusion

The Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ stands out as a dependable and delicious choice, offering fragrant spring blooms and readily peelable, sweet Navel oranges suitable for both garden settings and indoor container cultivation. Its adaptability makes it a rewarding addition to landscapes in Zones 9 and 10. Before planting, confirm your soil meets the slightly acidic, well-drained requirements to ensure a thriving, productive tree.

Companion Planting

Choosing appropriate companions helps manage soil health and deter common pests around citrus trees. Consider planting aromatics like basil or mint nearby, as their strong scents can occasionally confuse or deter certain citrus insect pests, though vigilance is still required. In the landscape, pair the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ with low-growing, shallow-rooted herbs that do not compete heavily for surface nutrients and water.

Ensure any immediate groundcover planting does not grow high enough to impede airflow around the base of the trunk, which can increase humidity and encourage fungal problems. Always select companions compatible with the full sun and medium water demands required by this prolific Navel orange.

Container Growing Tips

Growing the Citrus × sinensis ‘Trovita’ in a pot is an excellent strategy, particularly where winter temperatures drop below freezing. Select a large, heavy container (terracotta or resin) with excellent drainage holes, as the plant can grow up to 25 feet if allowed. Use a high-quality, specialized potting mix designed for cacti or citrus to ensure the necessary drainage and slightly acidic pH.

When growing indoors, ensure the location receives maximum light, preferably from a south-facing window, or supplement with strong grow lights during winter months. Rotate the container frequently to encourage even growth toward the light source. Reduce watering significantly when the tree is moved inside to minimize root saturation during reduced growth periods.