Growing Navel Oranges: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Navel oranges are a delicious and easy-to-peel fruit that are popular all over the world. They are seedless and have a unique belly-button-shaped orange at the bottom.
Growing Navel Orange Trees
Navel orange trees are relatively easy to grow in warm climates. They prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. In the United States, commercial navel orange trees are grown primarily in California, Arizona, and Florida.
Planting Navel Orange Trees
The best time to plant navel orange trees is in early to mid-spring. This gives the roots time to establish before temperatures drop in fall. If you live in a very hot climate, you can plant in fall when temperatures are cooler.
When planting a navel orange tree, be sure to choose a location that gets full sunlight. The tree should also be planted in well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply.
Caring for Navel Orange Trees
Navel orange trees need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilize navel orange trees every six weeks from February to September. Use a balanced fertilizer or a citrus fertilizer.
Pruning is not necessary for navel orange trees, but you can remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Harvesting Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are ready to harvest when they are fully orange in color. The fruit should be firm to the touch and have a slight give when squeezed.
To harvest navel oranges, simply twist the fruit off the tree. Be careful not to damage the tree or the fruit.
Tips for Growing Navel Oranges
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Water the tree regularly, especially during the summer months.
- Fertilize the tree every six weeks from February to September.
- Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
- Harvest navel oranges when they are fully orange in color and firm to the touch.
Troubleshooting
If your navel orange tree is not producing fruit, it may be because the tree is not getting enough sunlight, water, or fertilizer. It may also be because the tree is too young. Navel orange trees typically begin to produce fruit after three to five years.
If your navel orange tree is producing fruit, but the fruit is small or misshapen, it may be because the tree is not getting enough nutrients. Fertilize the tree more frequently and make sure that the tree is getting enough water.
Conclusion
Growing navel oranges is a rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can grow a healthy tree that will produce delicious fruit for years to come.
