Citrus Orange Navel
Notify MeCitrus orange Navel is one of the most popular sweet orange varieties, prized for its seedless, juicy fruit and easy-to-peel skin. With a distinctive “navel” at the base of the fruit, this variety delivers a rich, sweet flavour and firm texture, making it ideal for fresh eating. The fruit ripens in winter and holds well on the tree, allowing for a generous harvest period. The tree itself has a rounded, bushy habit with glossy green foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring.
Perfect for home orchards, Mediterranean or subtropical garden designs, and as a productive feature tree in large containers or sunny borders.
Thrives in full sun with free-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Regular watering during flowering and fruiting is key to juicy, flavourful oranges. Protect from strong winds and frost in cooler regions. Allow 3-4 metres spacing when planting in the ground.
Reaches approximately 3-4 metres tall and wide when mature, forming a full, rounded tree with consistent fruit production and ornamental appeal.
Trimming: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead, damaged, or inward-growing branches. Avoid cutting into mature wood unnecessarily. Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness in young plants.
Fertilising: Feed with a citrus-specific fertiliser high in potassium from spring through late summer. Use a liquid feed fortnightly during active growth or a slow-release formula applied as directed. Reduce feeding in winter.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. In containers, ensure excellent drainage and never let the pot sit in water. Increase watering during fruiting and hot spells.
Pest Control: Watch for scale insects, aphids, and citrus leaf miner, particularly in sheltered or indoor environments. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap and remove heavily infested leaves if needed.
Disease Management: Root rot can develop in poorly drained soils—use free-draining compost and avoid overwatering. Sooty mould may develop on honeydew from sap-sucking pests; treat pests and wipe affected leaves. Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies, often iron or magnesium—adjust feeding accordingly.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
