Washington Navel Orange Tree

The Washington Navel Orange is the perfect eating orange. Its loose skin is easy to peel, and the segments hold together well. It has no pesky seeds, and its sweet flesh is delicious to eat, add to salads, or bake with. The fruit ripens beginning around Christmas and extending through most of the winter – just when it is most appreciated. The tree is sturdy and easily grown, either in the ground if you live in zone 9b or 10, or in a large pot in colder zones. If you are growing in a pot, keep the tree outdoors in a sunny place. Bring it inside when the temperatures reach 40 to 45 degrees, and keep it in a cool, well-lit place. The fruit will ripen indoors and still be ready during the winter months.

• The perfect eating orange with easy-peel skin
• Sweetly scented blossoms in spring
• Ripe fruit all through the winter months
• Ideal for growing inside – tolerant of dry air
• Beautiful evergreen foliage makes a handsome tree

A sunny location in well-drained soil is ideal for growing the Washington Navel Orange outdoors. If you are growing it in a pot, choose a large container with a drainage hole. Use a potting soil designed for citrus trees, or a general-purpose soil for outdoor planters. Use a citrus-tree fertilizer if available, or a flowering tree type if not, and feed from early spring to late fall. While this tree will grow to 20 feet outdoors, it will be much smaller in a pot, and it can be trimmed to keep it compact. When trimming, keep the structure open, to allow the light to reach the developing fruit. Do not simply trim into a tight shape. This tree has few pests or diseases, and it is easy to grow. You will love having your own fresh oranges right there.