How to Grow Late Navel Orange
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Late Navel Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Late Navel'
treeLate Navel is a citrus variety prized for its seedless, sweet oranges that mature later in the season than standard Navel oranges, typically extending the harvest window into spring. The tree is medium-sized, evergreen, and produces abundant fruit with excellent flavor and minimal seed content. It's a popular commercial and home garden cultivar valued for its extended productivity period.
When should you plant Late Navel Orange in your zone?
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Example Late Navel Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Late Navel Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Late Navel Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Late Navel Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-10; can survive in zone 8b with winter protection
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Get my Late Navel Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree develops strong root system and main scaffold branches. Limited flowering; prioritize structure over fruit.
Water regularly to establish roots. Prune to develop open center or vase shape. Apply mulch 2-3 inches from trunk. Fertilize monthly during growing season with citrus formula.
Young Production (Year 2-3)
1-2 yearsTree begins flowering and setting small fruit crops. Canopy fills in; first commercial-quality harvests possible.
Thin fruit to one per 6 inches to improve size and quality. Continue structural pruning but lighter. Maintain consistent watering. Watch for nutrient deficiencies (yellowing leaves = nitrogen need).
Full Flowering (Late Winter to Spring)
3-6 weeks (varies by flush)Abundant fragrant white flowers appear on mature wood. Blossoms may appear on multiple flushes; later flowers produce fruit that matures in late spring/early summer.
Avoid heavy pruning during bloom. Ensure adequate irrigation to support fruit set. Thin fruit aggressively on young trees. Bees and insects naturally pollinate; Late Navel is partially self-fertile but sets better fruit with cross-pollination.
Fruit Development (Spring to Winter)
8-10 monthsSmall green fruit enlarges over months. Skin gradually changes from green to orange. Late Navel fruit takes longer to mature than standard Navel, typically coloring in November-February.
Thin fruit to 1 per 6 inches for size. Maintain regular deep watering and fertilization. Apply balanced citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Monitor for pests (spider mites, scale insects). Mulch around tree base.
Harvest (Late Winter to Spring)
2-3 monthsFruit reaches full color and sweetness. Flavor peaks in February-April. Fruit can hang on tree for weeks without quality loss, extending harvest window.
Harvest when fully colored using clippers or by twisting. Leave small stem attached to prevent skin damage. Fruit stores well at room temperature or refrigerated. Begin planning next season's thinning immediately after harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide in severe infestations. Increase humidity in dry climates.
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Apply horticultural oil in dormant season; use insecticidal soap for active infestations. Introduce natural predator Aphytis.
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Monitor for brown nymphs on leaf undersides; spray with pyrethrin or neem oil. Vector for serious huanglongbing disease.
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prune heavily infested branches.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Usually self-limiting. Encourage natural predators.
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Use bait traps for monitoring; apply spinosad if infestation detected. Remove and destroy infested fruit.
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryLate Navel oranges are prized for eating fresh due to their seedlessness, natural sweetness, and ease of peeling. They also produce excellent fresh-squeezed juice with high sugar and acid balance, making them ideal for both breakfast juice and cooking applications. [source]
Zest and cooking
CulinaryThe thick rind provides fragrant zest ideal for baking, marmalade, and savory dishes. The essential oils in the peel contain limonene, used in sauces, glazes, and desserts. [source]
Vitamin C and immune support
MedicinalLate Navel oranges contain 53 mg of vitamin C per 100g, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. Also rich in folate and flavonoids with antioxidant properties. [source]
Peel extract and natural cleaner
HouseholdOrange peels contain d-limonene, which effectively cuts grease and can be infused in vinegar to create natural, fragrant household cleaners and degreasers. [source]
Pollinator and bird habitat
WildlifeFragrant spring blooms attract bees and beneficial insects; ripening fruit provides food for various bird species in late winter and spring when other food sources are scarce. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruit when fully colored and firm, typically February-April. Harvest by twisting or using pruning shears to leave stem attached. Fruit can remain on tree 2-4 weeks after reaching peak color without quality degradation. Stagger harvests if desired. Store at 50-55°F for extended shelf life (up to 8 weeks). Use for fresh eating, juice, and cooking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Late Navel oranges extend the commercial citrus harvest season into late spring, making them valuable for fresh markets when early varieties are depleted. Some cultivars can remain on the tree into May or June without significant quality loss.
- 🌱 The Navel orange originated from a single mutation discovered in Brazil in the 1800s and was propagated through grafting, making all Navel oranges clones of that original tree. The 'navel' is the small undeveloped secondary fruit visible at the fruit's apex.
- 🌱 Unlike most fruit trees, citrus continues producing fruit year-round in optimal climates, though Late Navel concentrates its main crop for late-season maturity, allowing growers to manage harvest labor and supply chains across extended periods.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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