How to Grow a Navel Orange Tree

Navel oranges grow best in the southwestern United States.

Growing your own navel orange trees will yield delicious fruit in years to come, and will save you money. Navel oranges were brought to the United States from Brazil in the 1800s. There are several varieties of navel oranges, but their main characteristics are that they are easy to peel and eat. Navel oranges grow best in warm tropical climates such as the southwestern United States. Zones 9 through 11 are ideal for growing orange trees.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Fertilizer
• Shovel
• Stake
• White paint
• Neem oil

Instructions

1. Buy navel orange tree varieties that are at least 1 year old to reach the harvesting season sooner.

2. Prepare a sunny location in your yard where your orange tree will have a 10-foot-diameter growing space. There should be no overhanging trees or buildings to block either the sun or the trees' growing space. Check the soil to make sure it drains well.

3. Add soil enhancements such as compost or peat, if necessary, to create a loamy soil.

4. Dig a hole large enough for the root balls of your orange trees. Place the trees in the hole and fill it with dirt. The trees should be level to the rest of the ground around them, not sunken lower, or they may acquire root rot.

5. Place a post into the ground next to each tree and stake them so they will remain sturdy.

6. Water the trees thoroughly. For the first month water the trees every three days, and after that water deeply once per week for the first year. Once the trees are mature, deep water them once every two weeks. Skip watering the trees anytime you receive rainfall that week.

7. Fertilize the orange trees a few times per year with citrus tree fertilizer. Sprinkle the amount of fertilizer recommended on the bag just under the canopy of each tree.

8. Place cardboard or paint the trunk of the tree to protect it from sunburn. Allow the branches to grow long to protect the trunk as it matures.

9. Prune the trees if some of the branches seem to be growing irregularly. If you do not prune a tree, it will yield more fruit but also grow very tall. Snip any branches or shooters that are near the ground.

10. Spray the orange trees with neem oil to remove pests. Look for pest infestations on the orange trees by looking at the leaves. Leaves that are curled, brown, full of holes or wilting may signal an infestation.

11. Cover your trees at night if temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To cover the tree throw a sheet over it at night, then remove it in the daytime so the tree can receive the sunshine.

References

• SunKist: How citrus is grown.
• Main Street Mom: Creating Loamy Soil
• Texas Citrus Industry: Home Fruit Production
• Pearson Ranch: Ask your Farmer