Citrus ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Tree

Citrus ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Tree, also known as Bahia, is a semi-dwarf cultivar that is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. The tree blooms in clusters of heavenly citrus-scented, white blossoms in spring followed by exceptionally delicious, sweet, seedless fruits with an easy-to-peel rind. Maturing earlier than other oranges, the large round fruits appear approximately 7 to 10 months after the blossoms, in late fall to winter. The oranges hold on the tree for several months.

Grown in the garden, Citrus ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Tree reaches up to between 10 to 15 feet tall at full maturity. But the tree can be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape. In cooler climates, this citrus tree can be grown in a container and moved indoors during winter, if ample sunlight is provided. Although a container grown tree will not reach its full growth potential, it will still flower and set full-sized fruits.

An extremely popular variety, one of the most widely grown in California, this broadleaf evergreen citrus tree has a well-branched, rounded canopy with slightly drooping branches covered in handsome, aromatic, glossy foliage, year-round, which make nice additions to floral arrangements. It is an excellent specimen but can be trained as an espalier or pruned to a medium size and planted in groups to create a lovely and bountiful hedge.

Easy to grow, Citrus ‘Washington’ Navel Orange Tree requires at least 10 hours of full sun a day and grows best in deep, evenly moist, well-draining, sandy loams that have a slightly acidic pH. It is intolerant of heavy, saturated soils and hot, semi-tropical or dry, desert environments. Protect the plant when temperatures fall below 28°F. If container grown, the plant should be brought inside at the first sign of frost and placed in a location with plenty of bright sunshine. It should not be kept too warm, however, because cooler winter temperatures encourage flowering. This navel orange tree is self-pollinating and bears fruit without any pollen from other varieties.

Citrus trees will ship at the appropriate planting time based on your growing zone. Citrus trees do not ship in December or January. Plant height is 18-36″ when shipped.