How to Grow Scarlet Navel
Scarlet Navel
Citrus sinensis 'Scarlet Navel'
treeScarlet Navel is a colorful citrus variety producing medium-sized oranges with deep reddish-orange skin and a distinctive navel marking at the apex. The flesh is sweet, juicy, and often tinged with red pigmentation, making it visually striking both on the tree and when cut open. This cultivar is prized for fresh eating and ornamental appeal in warm climates.
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Example Scarlet Navel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Navel
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 Scarlet Navel
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; hardy to zone 8b with winter protection
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Get my Scarlet Navel timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung grafted tree develops root system and establishes canopy framework
Water deeply and regularly; stake if needed; prune to develop strong scaffold branches; apply mulch layer 2-3 inches thick, keeping away from trunk
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsTree leafs out vigorously with new branch and leaf development
Maintain consistent watering; apply balanced citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring-summer); remove any dead or crossing branches
Flowering
3-6 weeksFragrant white flowers appear on branch terminals, typically in spring (February-April in Northern Hemisphere)
Do not fertilize heavily during bloom; maintain adequate water without overwatering; avoid pruning during flowering; thin excessive flowers if desired
Fruit Development
4-6 monthsSmall green fruits develop and grow steadily; skin color gradually transitions from green to orange with distinctive reddish hue
Thin fruits to 1 every 6 inches on branch to improve size and quality; apply citrus-specific micronutrient blend; maintain regular watering schedule
Maturation & Harvest
Until harvestFruit reaches full size with deep scarlet-orange coloring and develops characteristic navel marking at apex
Fruit can remain on tree for extended period and improve flavor with time; harvest when fully colored and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water or neem oil; increase humidity; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Prune heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil during dormant season or insecticidal soap during growing season
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Strong water spray; neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove infested leaves; reflective mulches; insecticidal soap if severe; tolerant trees often recover
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Prune infested branches; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryScarlet Navels are excellent eaten fresh out of hand due to seedless nature and sweet, juicy flesh. The striking red-orange color makes them visually appealing in fruit bowls and they produce high-quality fresh-squeezed juice with balanced sweetness and acidity. [source]
Zest and cooking
CulinaryThe aromatic peel can be zested and used in baking, cocktails, and savory dishes. The essential oils in the zest provide bright citrus flavor without bitterness. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalScarlet Navels are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. The deep red pigmentation indicates anthocyanins and other polyphenols with antioxidant properties. [source]
Ornamental landscape feature
HouseholdThe fragrant spring blossoms, dark evergreen foliage, and striking colorful fruit make Scarlet Navel an attractive specimen tree in warm-climate landscapes. Suitable for containers in cooler regions. [source]
Pollinator and bird support
WildlifeThe fragrant white flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring. Mature fruit provides food for various bird species. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet Navels are typically ready to harvest November-March in the Northern Hemisphere. Fruit may be picked when fully colored (deep scarlet-orange), though flavor improves slightly if left on tree longer. Cut fruit with pruning shears leaving a short stem; handle gently to avoid damaging skin. Store at cool room temperature (60-70°F) for 2-4 weeks, or refrigerate for extended storage. The navel opening may weep slightly; this is normal.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'navel' marking at the apex of the fruit is actually a vestigial second fruit embedded in the skin—a natural genetic mutation that makes the variety seedless.
- 🌱 Scarlet Navel's red-orange pigmentation is enhanced by cooler night temperatures, similar to how apples develop deeper red color; warmer climates may produce less intensely colored fruit.
- 🌱 A mature, healthy citrus tree can produce 200-400 pounds of fruit per year, and individual trees can remain productive for 50+ years with proper care.
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