- Low Chill Hours: Needs 100–300 chill hours, ideal for SoCal’s mild winters, ensuring reliable fruiting.
- Sweet Flavor: Delivers juicy, sweet oranges, a favorite for families and fresh-eating enthusiasts.
- Potted Versatility: Thrives in containers like our 25-gallon pot, perfect for urban spaces and frost protection.
- High Yield Potential: Produces abundant fruit as it matures, typically in 2–4 years, enriching your food forest.
- Heat Tolerance: Loves SoCal’s warm summers, requiring less water than traditional lawns.
The Washington Navel Orange, a vibrant new addition to our urban food forest, thrives in a 25-gallon pot, bringing sweet potential to our Santa Clarita backyard. Known for its juicy, seedless oranges and fragrant blossoms, this citrus gem is a top choice for Southern California gardens. While we’re nurturing its early growth, its promise of easy-to-peel, delicious fruit makes it a family favorite in the making.
What Makes the Washington Navel Orange Special?
The Washington Navel Orange shines with its sweet, low-acidity fruit, perfect for fresh eating straight from the tree. Though our young tree hasn’t fruited yet, its seedless, easy-peel oranges are renowned for their refreshing, juicy flavor, a delight for snacking or sharing. Its glossy leaves and white spring blossoms add year-round beauty, enhancing any backyard.
Why It’s Perfect for SoCal Backyards
Growing Tips for Success
Plant your Washington Navel Orange in well-draining soil (mix with perlite or sand in pots) and place in full sun for 6–8 hours daily. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, reducing in winter to prevent root rot. Use organic mulch like compost or worm castings, as we do, to retain moisture and enrich soil. Prune in late winter to shape and boost fruit production, and consider summer pruning to keep the tree smaller for compact spaces. Protect from rare frosts by moving the pot indoors or covering it. Self-pollinating, it needs no partner, but nearby citrus can enhance yield.