Species

Citrus sinensisBlood Orange

1 other cultivar

‘Moro’Moro Blood Orange

tree

Washington Navel Orange

Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel'

The Story

Plant Bio

Citrus sinensis, the sweet orange, is an evergreen tree originating from tropical and subtropical Asia, forming a dense, rounded canopy of glossy dark green leaves with winged petioles. The species is widely cultivated in warm climates for its highly fragrant white flowers and sweet, juicy hesperidium fruits.

'Washington Navel' is a popular seedless cultivar distinguished by a secondary, undeveloped fruitlet at the apex that resembles a human navel. It produces large, thick-skinned, sweet fruit that ripens during winter and spring, making it highly suited to Australian home gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with dense, glossy dark green foliage and highly fragrant white spring blossoms.

Produces abundant crops of sweet, seedless oranges that store well on the tree.

Flowers attract native bees and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden.

SpeciesCitrus sinensisBlood Orange

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

196 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the graft union remains well above the final soil level.
Water the newly planted tree thoroughly and apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Provide consistent, deep watering during the fruit development phase to prevent premature fruit drop.

Pro Tip

Plant the tree with the graft union well above the soil line; burying the union or over-watering invites collar rot caused by Phytophthora.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Apply a specialised citrus fertiliser annually in early spring and late summer.
Prune out dead, diseased, or crossing branches in winter after the main harvest.
Clear fallen fruit and leaves from beneath the canopy to reduce pest and disease pressure.

Don't

Do not cultivate deeply under the canopy, as this damages the shallow feeder roots.
Do not over-water or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that promote root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, which results in slow and patchy regrowth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeProductive GardenEspalierLarge Container

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Anethum graveolens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Washington Navel Orange questions

What zones can Washington Navel Orange grow in?

Washington Navel Orange is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Washington Navel Orange bloom?

Washington Navel Orange typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Washington Navel Orange need full sun?

Washington Navel Orange does best in full sun (6+ hours).