How to Grow Washington Navel Orange
Wikimedia Commons
Washington Navel Orange
Citrus × sinensis 'Washington'
treeWashington Navel is a seedless orange variety prized for its large, sweet fruit with a distinctive navel formation at the bottom. It is the most widely cultivated navel orange and produces fruit that is excellent for fresh eating and juice. This evergreen tree can live for decades and becomes increasingly productive with age.
When should you plant Washington Navel Orange in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Washington Navel Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Washington Navel Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
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 best in USDA zones 9-11; can survive brief freezes in zone 9a but prefers warmer climates
Sign up free to see if Washington Navel Orange grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Washington Navel Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree develops root system and establishes canopy; minimal flowering or fruiting
Water regularly and deeply; stake if needed for support; prune to develop strong structure; avoid heavy fruiting by removing early flowers; apply mulch 3-4 inches deep around base (keep away from trunk)
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree develops robust branching structure and increases in size; light flowering may begin
Continue deep watering; apply balanced citrus fertilizer 3-4 times per year; prune to maintain open canopy; thin excessive fruit if it appears to prevent stress
Early Flowering & Fruiting (Years 3-5)
24 monthsTree produces increasing numbers of white, fragrant flowers in spring; small green fruits develop and mature over 8-12 months
Maintain consistent watering especially during fruit development; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support flowering; thin fruitlets to one per cluster for larger fruits; monitor for pests and diseases
Peak Production (Years 6+)
Ongoing each yearMature tree produces abundant white blossoms and heavy crops of large, sweet navels; fruit ripens to bright orange color
Regular fertilizing 3-4 times yearly with citrus blend; maintain consistent deep watering; prune dead wood and thin interior branches for air circulation; harvest fruit when fully colored and slightly soft to touch
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Horticultural oil spray in dormant season; insecticidal soap; release of natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps
-
Avoid over-fertilizing tender growth; prune affected foliage; spinosad or neem oil spray on young leaves; maintain tree vigor
-
Strong water spray to dislodge; sulfur dust or wettable sulfur spray; horticultural oil; ensure adequate humidity
-
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators
-
Water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybugs and parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryWashington Navels are seedless and perfect for fresh consumption out of hand or segmented in salads. The high juice content and balanced sweetness make them excellent for freshly squeezed juice. [source]
Zest and cooking applications
CulinaryThe fragrant zest is used in baking, marinades, dressings, and beverages. The rind is less bitter than some orange varieties, making it ideal for culinary use. [source]
Vitamin C and immune support
MedicinalA single Washington Navel orange provides over 100% of daily vitamin C needs, supporting immune function and antioxidant protection. [source]
Natural cleaning agent
HouseholdOrange peel contains limonene, a natural solvent used in homemade all-purpose cleaners and degreasers. [source]
Bird and pollinator nectar source
WildlifeThe fragrant spring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators; ripened fruit provides food for birds and wildlife in winter months. [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 fruit from November through June depending on your location; pick when fruit is fully colored (bright orange) and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Cut with pruning shears rather than pulling. Store at 50-60°F for extended shelf life (can keep 2-4 weeks). Allow fruit to ripen on the tree for maximum sweetness—Washington Navels do not improve in sugar content after harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Washington Navel orange originated as a spontaneous bud mutation on a Brazilian Bahia orange tree in 1820 and was introduced to California in 1873, transforming the state's citrus industry.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'navel' at the bottom of the fruit is actually a secondary fruit developed within the primary fruit—it is seedless due to a genetic mutation that prevents seed development.
- 🌱 Washington Navel oranges are triploid (three sets of chromosomes) and cannot be reliably propagated from seed; all commercial trees are grafted clones, making every Washington Navel genetically identical to the original 1873 tree.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Washington Navel Orange planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Washington Navel Orange seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Washington Navel Orange timeline →