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Washington Navel Orange (Citrus sinensis)

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Washington Navel oranges, often referred to simply as Navel oranges, are a popular and widely recognized variety of sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis). They are named “navel” due to the small, undeveloped secondary fruit that protrudes from the blossom end, resembling a human navel. This secondary fruit is actually another smaller orange, often called a “baby” or “twin” orange.

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Washington Navel oranges, often referred to simply as Navel oranges, are a popular and widely recognized variety of sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis). They are named “navel” due to the small, undeveloped secondary fruit that protrudes from the blossom end, resembling a human navel. This secondary fruit is actually another smaller orange, often called a “baby” or “twin” orange.

Here are some key characteristics and information about Washington Navel oranges:

  1. Taste and Flavor: Washington Navel oranges are known for their sweet and mildly tangy flavor. They are among the sweetest of all orange varieties, making them ideal for fresh consumption and juicing.
  2. Appearance: These oranges are typically large and round, with a bright orange peel that’s easy to peel. They have a characteristic navel-like formation at the blossom end.
  3. Seedless: One of the significant advantages of Washington Navel oranges is that they are seedless, which makes them easy to eat and enjoy.
  4. Availability: These oranges are in season during the winter months, typically from November to April in the Northern Hemisphere. They are one of the most common types of oranges found in grocery stores during this time. Store Navel oranges in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. They can last for several weeks when properly stored.
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Best Planting Time

The best time to plant Washington Navel orange trees, or any citrus trees for that matter, largely depends on your location and local climate conditions. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow:

Mild-Winter Regions: If you live in a region with mild winters where frost is not a concern, you can plant Washington Navel orange trees in either the fall or spring. Fall planting allows the tree to establish its roots before winter, while spring planting provides a longer growing season for establishment.

Cold-Winter Regions: In areas with cold winters and the risk of frost or freezing temperatures, it's best to plant Washington Navel orange trees in the spring after the last frost date. This gives the tree the entire growing season to establish itself before winter arrives.

Container-Grown Trees: If you purchase a container-grown Washington Navel orange tree from a nursery, you can plant it at any time of the year, provided you can provide it with proper care and protection from extreme weather conditions.

Soil Temperature: Another important factor to consider is soil temperature. Citrus trees, including Washington Navel oranges, prefer warm soil for root growth. Planting when the soil has warmed up in the spring is ideal for root development.
Marturity

The time it takes for a Washington Navel orange tree (or any citrus tree) to produce its first fruits can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the key factors that can influence the time it takes for a Washington Navel orange tree to bear fruit:

Age of the Tree: Washington Navel orange trees typically start to produce fruit when they are between 2 to 5 years old. The exact age at which they bear fruit can vary based on factors such as the tree's health, growing conditions, and care.

Growing Conditions: The quality of the soil, availability of nutrients, and overall growing conditions can significantly impact the tree's growth and fruit production. Trees that receive proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, are more likely to produce fruit earlier.

Climate: Climate plays a crucial role in fruit production. Washington Navel orange trees thrive in warm climates. If you are in an area with a long, warm growing season, the tree may produce fruit sooner than in a region with a shorter growing season or colder winters.

Variety: Some Washington Navel orange trees may be grafted onto rootstocks that are known for their precocity, which means they may produce fruit at a younger age. The choice of rootstock can influence when the tree starts bearing fruit.

Pruning: Pruning practices can also affect fruit production. Proper pruning can encourage healthy growth and fruiting, while excessive or improper pruning can delay fruit production.

Pollination: Washington Navel oranges are typically self-pollinating, which means they do not require another tree for pollination. However, the presence of pollinators, such as bees, can improve fruit set and potentially lead to earlier fruit production.

Disease and Pest Management: Keeping the tree healthy by managing diseases and pests can help ensure that it reaches fruit-bearing age more quickly.

In general, you can expect to see the first fruits on a Washington Navel orange tree within the range of 2 to 5 years, but it can sometimes take longer in less favorable conditions. Additionally, the initial fruit set may be limited, and the tree's fruit production is likely to increase as it matures and establishes a robust root system. Patience and proper care are key to successful fruit production from a young orange tree.
Size Of The Hole

The size of a hole for an orange tree when planting should be 60cm (length) by 60cm (width) by 60cm (height).
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting.
Spacing

When planning spacing, also consider the mature size of the trees. Washington Navel orange trees can become quite large, so providing enough room for their eventual size is important. The ideal spacing for Orange trees is 4m between rows and 4m within the row, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that Orange trees thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Irrigation

The best irrigation program for Washington Navel orange trees, or any citrus trees, depends on several factors including your local climate, soil type, and the age and size of the trees.

Establish a Watering Schedule:
Young trees (1-3 years old): Initially, young trees need frequent, shallow watering to encourage root development. Water them every 1-2 weeks during dry periods. Gradually reduce the frequency as the tree matures.
Mature trees (4+ years old): Mature Washington Navel orange trees require less frequent but deeper watering. Water deeply to saturate the root zone, typically every 2-4 weeks depending on local conditions.

Deep Watering:
When irrigating, apply water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth. This helps the tree access water stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to drought.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or compost, around the base of the tree to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Micro-jet irrigation is an excellent choice for citrus trees because they deliver water directly to the root zone.

Water atleast 3 times a week.
Fertilization

Organic fertilization is an excellent choice for Washington Navel orange trees and can promote healthy growth and fruit production while also supporting soil health and sustainability. Here are some organic fertilization practices and recommendations for Washington Navel oranges:

Compost: Compost is an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients for citrus trees. Apply well-rotted compost around the base of the tree to enrich the soil. Compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients and improves soil structure.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or compost, around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and gradually release nutrients as it breaks down.

Cover Crops: Consider planting cover crops in the orchard to improve soil fertility and provide natural sources of nutrients. Leguminous cover crops like clover can fix nitrogen in the soil.

Organic Fertilizers:
Composted Manure: Well-composted manure, such as composted chicken or cow or goat manure, can be an excellent source of nutrients. Apply it sparingly to avoid overloading the soil with nutrients.

Organic Liquid Fertilizers: You can make organic liquid fertilizers by steeping comfrey/ tithonia or compost or rotten manure or other organic materials in water. Use the strained liquid as a foliar spray or soil drench to provide nutrients to your Orange plants. Apply liquid fertilizer to the Orange plants every after 2 weeks.

Well-Rotted Manure: Well-rotted manure from animals like cows, horses, goat or chickens is rich in nutrients and can be used as an organic fertilizer. Apply it as a top dressing around the Orange plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem to prevent the plant from rotting. Apply this every 2 months.

Organic Mulch: Organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the Orange plant to conserve moisture and provide slow-release of nutrients as it breaks down. Replenish whenever the mulch reduces.

Worm Castings: Worm castings, also known as vermicompost, are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Incorporate worm castings into the soil or use them as a top dressing for Orange plants. Apply every 2 months.
Common Diseases

Washington Navel orange trees, like all citrus trees, are susceptible to a range of diseases, some of which can significantly impact their health and fruit production. Here are some common diseases that can affect Washington Navel orange trees:

Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis):
Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that causes raised, corky lesions on leaves, fruit, and stems. These lesions can lead to fruit drop and reduced fruit quality. Management includes pruning and destroying infected plant parts, applying copper-based sprays, and maintaining good tree hygiene.

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) or Citrus Greening:
HLB is a devastating disease caused by a bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.). It affects the vascular system of citrus trees, leading to symptoms like yellowing leaves, misshapen fruit, and decline in tree health.
Management is challenging, and there is no cure. Practices include regular scouting for infected trees, controlling psyllid vectors (insects that spread the disease), and removing and destroying infected trees.
Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV):

Tristeza virus can cause a range of symptoms in citrus trees, including stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and dieback of branches. It can be particularly damaging to Washington Navel oranges.
Management may involve planting virus-free rootstocks, removing and destroying infected trees, and controlling aphid vectors.
Phytophthora Root Rot:

Phytophthora spp. are soil-borne pathogens that can cause root rot in citrus trees. Infected trees may exhibit yellowing, wilting, and a decline in overall health.
Management includes proper soil drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using disease-resistant rootstocks.
Sooty Mold:

Sooty mold is a fungal growth that develops on the honeydew excreted by sucking insects like aphids or scale insects. It appears as a black, soot-like substance on leaves and fruit, inhibiting photosynthesis.
Controlling the insect pests that produce honeydew is essential for managing sooty mold.
Citrus Leaf Miner:

Citrus leaf miner is a small moth whose larvae tunnel into citrus leaves, creating serpentine mines. This can reduce the tree's photosynthetic capacity.
Management may involve the use of beneficial insects, sticky traps, or insecticides.
Brown Rot (Phytophthora citrophthora):

Brown rot is a fungal disease that can affect the fruit of citrus trees, causing browning and rotting. It's more common in wet conditions.
Management includes proper sanitation, removing and destroying infected fruit, and applying fungicides in severe cases.
Melanose (Diaporthe citri):

Melanose is a fungal disease that creates raised, dark, pimple-like lesions on the fruit and leaves of citrus trees.
Management involves pruning and removing affected branches, applying copper-based sprays, and maintaining good tree hygiene.
To manage and prevent these diseases, it's crucial to practice good orchard hygiene, monitor your trees regularly for symptoms, and implement appropriate control measures.
Pest and Disease control

Organic pest and disease control for Washington Navel orange trees involves using natural and sustainable methods to manage and prevent problems without relying on synthetic chemicals. Here are some organic strategies for pest and disease control:

Good Cultural Practices:
Site Selection: Choose a suitable location for your orange trees with well-drained soil and good air circulation.

Pruning: Proper pruning can improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of disease. Remove dead or diseased branches promptly.

Sanitation: Regularly clean up fallen leaves, fruit, and other debris around the tree to reduce the presence of disease-causing organisms.

Proper Watering: Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can promote root diseases. Use a drip irrigation system to provide consistent and deep watering to the root zone.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

2. Beneficial Insects and Predators:

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on pest insects.

Release beneficial nematodes to control soil-dwelling pests like root-knot nematodes.

Neem Oil:

Neem oil is a natural product derived from the neem tree and can be used as a pesticide and fungicide. It can help control aphids, scale insects, and some fungal diseases.

Horticultural Oils:
Horticultural oils, such as neem oil or mineral oil, can be used to smother insect pests like scale insects and mites.

Insecticidal Soaps:
Insecticidal soaps made from natural ingredients can be used to control soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. You may use the liquid soap to cooking oil mixture plus 10ml of essential oil.

Homemade Remedies:
Some homemade remedies, like garlic or chili pepper sprays, can be used to deter pests. However, their effectiveness may vary.

Biological Control:
Introduce beneficial nematodes, predators, or parasites that target specific pests. For example, ladybugs can control aphids.

Disease-Resistant Varieties:
When planting new trees, consider selecting seedlings that are disease-resistant rootstocks and varieties that are less susceptible to common citrus diseases.

Regular Monitoring:
Inspect your trees regularly for signs of pest infestations or disease symptoms. Early detection can help you take action before the problem becomes severe.

Trap Crops:
Plant trap crops near your orange trees to attract and divert pests away from the main crop. These trap crops can then be managed separately.

Crop Rotation and Companion Planting:
Rotate crops if possible to reduce the buildup of soil-borne diseases. Companion planting with herbs or flowers can help deter pests.

Organic fungicides like aloe vera or neem lquid/oil can be used to control fungal diseases like citrus canker or powdery mildew.
Remember that organic pest and disease control may require more proactive and preventive measures compared to synthetic chemical approaches. It's essential to monitor your trees regularly and intervene as needed to maintain their health and productivity while adhering to organic farming principles.

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Washington Navel oranges are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways: Fresh eating: They are delicious when peeled and eaten as a snack or added to fruit salads. Juicing: Their sweet juice is a popular choice for making fresh orange juice. Cooking: The juice and zest of Navel oranges can be used in various recipes, from desserts to savory dishes. Marmalade: They are a common choice for making orange marmalade due to their sweet flavor and minimal seeds.
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