How to Grow Washington Navel Orange
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Washington Navel Orange
Citrus × sinensis
treeWashington Navel Orange is a seedless citrus tree producing large, sweet oranges with a distinctive navel at the base. It is one of the most popular orange varieties grown commercially and home gardeners appreciate its high sugar content and easy peeling. The tree is evergreen and moderately sized, reaching 20-30 feet at maturity.
When should you plant Washington Navel Orange in your zone?
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Example Washington Navel Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Washington 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 Washington Navel Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Washington Navel Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8b-11, with best production in zones 9-10
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Get my Washington Navel Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root development and branch structure. Minimal fruiting expected.
Water regularly, stake if necessary, prune to develop strong central leader, avoid fertilizer with excess nitrogen
Young Maturity
2-4 yearsTree begins producing flowers and small fruit crops; canopy fills in.
Thin fruit to reduce stress, maintain consistent watering, apply balanced citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season
Flowering
4-6 weeksFragrant white flowers appear in spring (February-April in Southern Hemisphere, late winter-spring in Northern Hemisphere).
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as it reduces flowering; maintain moderate moisture; avoid pruning during heavy bloom
Fruiting & Development
6-9 monthsMarble-sized fruit develops after pollination; fruit enlarges over 6-9 months and changes from green to orange.
Thin fruit if necessary (1 fruit every 6 inches of branch), maintain consistent watering, apply potassium-rich fertilizer, monitor for pests
Harvest Ready
Varies; typically November-April in Northern HemisphereFruit reaches full size, develops full orange color, and high sugar content.
Sample test fruit for sugar content, harvest when fully colored and fruit feels heavy for its size
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Reflective mulches, insecticide sprays, parasitic wasp releases; prune affected leaves
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Spray with water to dislodge, neem oil, sulfur sprays; maintain humidity
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Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, sticky traps; remove affected leaves; may vector Huanglongbing
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Insecticidal soap, neem oil, yellow sticky traps, reflective mulch
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Dormant oil sprays, horticultural oils, manual removal, parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryWashington Navel Oranges are prized for fresh consumption due to their seedless nature, easy peeling, and high sugar content. They are also suitable for fresh-squeezed juice, though commercial juicing varieties may be more economical. [source]
Zest and marmalade
CulinaryThe fragrant peel is excellent for zesting into baked goods, cocktails, and desserts. Navel oranges can be made into marmalade, preserves, and candied peel due to their flavorful rind. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalOranges are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. They contain flavonoids and other antioxidants linked to cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Natural cleaning and fragrance
HouseholdOrange peel oil contains d-limonene, a natural solvent useful in eco-friendly cleaning products. The essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and natural fragrance products. [source]
Pollinator and bird support
WildlifeThe spring blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Mature fruit provides food for birds and wildlife, particularly in winter months 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
Harvest when fruit is fully orange and heavy for its size; taste-test to ensure sweetness (should be 10-12° Brix). Washington Navels mature November to April depending on location. Cut fruit with pruning shears rather than pulling to avoid branch damage. Fruit does not continue to ripen after harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Washington Navel Orange is a natural mutation (bud sport) of a Brazilian sweet orange variety, propagated by grafting since the 1870s, which is why all Washington Navels are genetically identical.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'navel' at the base of the fruit is actually a miniature second fruit growing inside the skin, a phenomenon unique to navel oranges.
- 🌱 A mature Washington Navel Orange tree can produce 200-300 pounds of fruit per year under ideal conditions, with some exceptional trees yielding over 400 pounds.
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