If you've always wanted navel oranges easily within reach, you may just be in luck. Continue below to learn if you can grow a navel orange tree where you live.
So many Americans consume oranges that they rank as the third most-consumed fresh fruit after apples and bananas. And it's no wonder considering oranges are not only delicious but also packed with Vitamin C and Anti-oxidants.
Do you love the taste of oranges and want to grow your own tree? If you have the ideal space for citrus trees, you could have fresh citrus fruit whenever you wanted.
Discover the ideal conditions for growing a navel orange tree and if you can grow one where you live.
The Right Zone
Before planting an orange tree, make sure you're in the right zone and climate. Navel orange trees can grow in plant hardiness zones 9 - 11. If you don't know your zone, you can use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find it.
You don't want your tree exposed to freezing temperatures because freezing weather damages the fruit. But how cold is too cold for a citrus tree? If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, your citrus tree could die in a matter of hours.
Use a temperature and climate guide for reference. To play it safe, bring your citrus trees indoors if the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Best Soil for an Orange Tree
When planting your orange tree, you want to make sure you have the right soil. Navel orange trees thrive in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, which is in the acidic to neutral range. If you don't know the PH of your soil, you can buy a soil test kit.
Make sure the soil around your tree drains well. Citrus trees don't like heavy, wet soil. Ensure the soil doesn't get too saturated by drying it out between watering.
Timing and Location
To make sure your tree flourishes, you want to give your tree time to root in the soil in warmer weather. Early to middle spring is the ideal time to plant because your orange tree will have the entire spring and summer to grow strong.
Location is also important since you want to pick a warm, sunny area on your property. Avoid placing it too close to other plants that could steal nutrients from your orange tree.
Growing an Orange Tree in a Container
What if you don't live in the right plant hardiness zone? You can still grow navel oranges in a container. And container growing isn't as hard as it might sound.
Dwarf navel orange trees are good candidates for container growing because they don't grow very tall. In a container, a dwarf tree reaches between 4 - 6 feet depending on the size of the pot.
Ready to Grow Your Naval Orange Tree?
Watching your own orange tree blossom and bear fruit is a fun and rewarding experience.
Whether you live in the right climate or you plan on planting your tree in a container, follow these tips to get started. Soon you'll have your own delicious oranges to enjoy.
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