Early Navel Orange
Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis
Format: Grafted citrus plant
About This Plant
Early Navel Orange is an early-season navel orange with seedless, easy-peeling fruit and strong fresh-market appeal. Navel oranges are defined by the characteristic “navel” formation at the blossom end – a second small fruit embedded in the peel. This variety ripens weeks before standard navels, giving you sweet, juicy oranges starting in early winter. The fruit is seedless, very sweet, and peels easily, making it a favorite for fresh eating. The tree is moderately vigorous, rounded, and productive. Ideal for customers wanting a recognizable orange for backyard planting.
🍊 Taste note: Classic sweet navel flavor – seedless, juicy, and refreshing.
Key Highlights
- Early ripening (weeks before standard navels)
- Seedless and easy to peel
- Classic sweet navel flavor
- Productive and reliable
- Great for fresh eating
Growing Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Full Sun |
| Tree Spacing | 12–15 ft |
| Tree Height | 8–12 ft |
| Planting Time | Spring |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9–11 (protect below 28°F) |
| Grafting | Yes |
| Fruit Season | Early winter (November–December) |
| Self-fertile | Yes |
How to Grow
Early Navel Orange requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is less cold-hardy than some citrus, so plant in a protected location or container in marginal zones. Water consistently during fruit development – drought stress can cause fruit drop. Fertilize with citrus fertilizer three times per year. Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches. This variety is not suited for extremely humid climates where fungal diseases may be a problem.
Welcome to Your Plant
- Remove Packaging – Carefully unpack.
- Check the Soil – Water if dry. Do not overwater.
- Adjustment Period – Acclimate to full sun over 5–7 days.
Long-Term Care
- Location: Full sun, south-facing.
- Soil & Drainage: Sandy loam ideal. Avoid waterlogging.
- Feeding: Citrus fertilizer in February, May, and September.
- Watering: Deep weekly watering. More frequent in containers.
- Pruning: Late winter. Maintain open center.
- Frost protection: Essential below 28°F.
Harvesting & Use
Harvest when fruit is fully orange and gives slightly when squeezed. Twist to remove. Eat fresh, add to salads, or juice.
Delivery Information
Grafted Early Navel shipped in recyclable packaging. Free shipping over $50.
Support
📧 info@globalflora.org
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FAQ – Suitability & Watering
- Zones: 9–11. Not recommended for zone 8 unless in container.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is key during fruit set.