Orange 'Red Navel'
Citrus x Sinensis 'Cara Cara'The Orange ‘Red Navel’ (Citrus sinensis ‘Red Navel’) is a stunning and flavorful citrus tree prized for its sweet, seedless fruit and vibrant appearance. This variety is a mutation of the classic Navel orange and features reddish-pink to ruby-colored flesh, offering a beautiful twist on the familiar. With a rich, sweet flavor and easy-to-peel skin, it’s perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and adding color to salads and desserts.
Like other navel oranges, the Red Navel is seedless, self-pollinating, and ripens in the cooler months—typically from late fall into early winter. The tree is evergreen and highly ornamental, with glossy green foliage and fragrant white blossoms in spring. It reaches 10–15 feet tall in the ground but is well-suited for container growing, especially in colder climates where it can be overwintered indoors.
Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11, the Red Navel thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s relatively low-maintenance and produces reliably with minimal effort, making it a favorite among both beginner and experienced citrus growers.
Care Instructions
Planting:
Plant in full sun with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. In containers, use a citrus potting mix and a 15–20 gallon pot with drainage.
Watering:
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.
Pruning:
Prune after fruiting to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased wood. Thin canopy for better airflow.
Pest Control:
Watch for aphids, scale, citrus leaf miners. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Keep area around tree clean.
Soil Tips:
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Add compost annually and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
