This is the quintessential navel orange. The Washington navel orange is the most popular backyard citrus tree in the U.S. And no wonder: the fruit is seedless and easy to peel; the trees are cold-hardy down to 28 degrees F; and these trees are easy to grow and maintain. As one nursery puts it, “No green thumb required.”

Sun Exposure

• Full sun (six to eight hours) to partial shade

Soil pH

• 5.5 to 6.5

Hardiness Zones

• Outdoors: 8 to 11
• Patio: 4 to 11

Mature Size

• Height: 8 feet (pruned)
• Spread: 8 to 12 feet

Moisture

• 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week

Notes

• Moderate growth rate
• Harvest December to January
• Can fruit the first year
• Suitable for container growing

Have you ever grown Washington navel oranges? Please tell us about your experiences with the Washington navel orange tree.