Washington Navel Orange Tree

Washington Navel Orange Tree: Sweet, Seedless Citrus for Winter Harvests

Grow sweet, juicy oranges right at home with the Washington Navel Orange Tree, also known as the Bahia Orange. This popular citrus tree produces large, easy-to-peel oranges with rich flavor and very few seeds.

Washington Navel Oranges ripen during the winter months, giving you fresh citrus when many other fruit trees are resting. The fruit is great for snacking, juicing, salads, desserts, and everyday recipes.

Why You'll Love the Washington Navel Orange Tree

Sweet Winter Oranges: Enjoy flavorful oranges that ripen during the cooler winter months.

Nearly Seedless Fruit: Washington Navel Oranges are considered seedless and usually contain three or fewer seeds per fruit.

Easy to Peel: The fruit has a peel that comes away easily, making it perfect for fresh snacking.

Self-Fertile: You only need one Washington Navel Orange Tree to produce fruit.

Great for Containers: Grow it in a large pot so you can enjoy fresh citrus even in colder climates.

Fragrant Citrus Flowers: White blossoms add beauty and a fresh citrus scent before the fruit begins to grow.

What Do Washington Navel Oranges Taste Like?

Washington Navel Oranges are known for their sweet, juicy flavor. They have a classic orange taste with a good balance of sweetness and citrus flavor.

The nearly seedless fruit makes them especially easy to eat fresh. Peel one and enjoy it as a snack, slice it into a salad, or squeeze it for fresh orange juice.

When Does the Washington Navel Orange Tree Produce Fruit?

Washington Navel Oranges are a winter-ripening citrus. Depending on your climate and growing conditions, the fruit usually develops through the warmer months and ripens during winter.

This makes the Washington Navel Orange Tree a great way to enjoy homegrown fruit during a time of year when many other garden plants are dormant.

Does a Washington Navel Orange Tree Need a Pollinator?

No. Washington Navel Orange Trees are self-fertile, so one tree can produce oranges on its own.

This makes it a smart choice for small yards, patios, balconies, and other places where you may only have room for one citrus tree.

How to Use Washington Navel Oranges

Fresh Eating: Their sweet flavor, easy-to-peel skin, and low seed count make them perfect for snacking.

Fresh Juice: Squeeze ripe oranges for a bright, fresh citrus drink.

Salads: Add orange sections to fruit salads, green salads, and other fresh dishes.

Desserts: Use the juice and zest in cakes, cookies, sauces, and other recipes.

Cooking: Fresh orange juice and zest can add sweet citrus flavor to sauces, marinades, and savory dishes.

Where to Grow a Washington Navel Orange Tree

In the Ground: Washington Navel Orange Trees can grow outdoors year-round in warm climates, including USDA Zones 8–11, with cold protection when needed.

Patios and Porches: Grow the tree in a large container to enjoy fragrant flowers, glossy foliage, and fresh fruit near your outdoor living space.

Colder Climates: Gardeners in Zones 4–7 can grow Washington Navel Orange Trees in containers and move them into a protected indoor space for winter.

Sunny Indoor Spaces: Container-grown citrus can spend the coldest part of the year indoors near a very bright, sunny window.

Washington Navel Orange Tree Sun and Soil Needs

Sunlight: Give your Washington Navel Orange Tree full sun for the best growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Soil: Citrus trees grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water stays around the roots for long periods.

Watering: Water deeply, then allow the upper layer of soil to begin drying before watering again. Container-grown trees may need more frequent watering during hot weather.

Cold Protection for Washington Navel Orange Trees

Washington Navel Orange Trees prefer warm weather and should be protected when temperatures fall below about 28°F.

If your tree is growing in a container, move it into a protected area before a hard freeze. In warmer climates, young outdoor trees may still benefit from frost protection during unusually cold weather.

Growing a Washington Navel Orange Tree in a Container

Washington Navel Orange Trees grow well in large containers, making them a great choice for patios, decks, porches, and colder climates.

Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining citrus potting mix. Container growing also makes it easier to move your tree indoors when freezing weather arrives.

Sweet Homegrown Citrus From One Tree

If you want a citrus tree with sweet fruit, easy-to-peel oranges, very few seeds, self-fertile growth, and excellent container potential, the Washington Navel Orange Tree is an excellent choice.

Plant a Washington Navel Orange Tree and enjoy fragrant blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and sweet winter oranges right from your own home.

How Your Washington Navel Orange Tree Ships

Please note: Your Washington Navel Orange Tree ships in a citra pot, a tall, narrow growing container designed to encourage roots to grow downward and help prevent root circling.