UGA Southern Frost Navel Tree

1. Planting: Navel orange trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to grow and produce fruit. If you are growing the tree indoors, it should be placed near a south or southwest-facing window or glass door. To shield citrus trees from severe freezes, it is best to plant them in a sheltered area, such as near a home or another structure, preferably on the south side.

2. Watering: Watering should start in the spring when the trees begin to grow and continue throughout the summer. Avoid keeping the soil saturated, as this can lead to root diseases. Water early in the morning to reduce the amount of time the bark is wet. In late fall and winter, you may only need to water to protect the trees from freezing.

3. Fertilizing: Do not apply fertilizer after July to minimize new growth before winter.

4. Pruning: In order to encourage upward growth, you can prune Navel trees. When pruning an orange tree, begin by making a cut 6–12 inches out from the collar, then make a second cut 3 inches further out, and finally cut the stub back to the branch collar.

5. Pollination: This plant is self-fertile, so you will get fruit from just one tree.