- Author: Trisha E Rose
Need to pull out my juicer, here they come and come, those sweet and juicy Washington Naval Oranges, Citrus sinensis 'Washington'. I have a mature tree in a raised bed alongside my backyard fence line. My tree is at least 20 feet tall and at least as wide. This tree grows in zones 9 and 10 so it is well suited to our Solano County climates. The bounty of oranges has been unfailing every year to share with friends and family. A few weeks before Christmas the fruit is ready to enjoy and it only gets sweeter as we get into January and February.
This tree is so easy to care for and has done very well through our drought years. As an evergreen tree, it keeps its glossy green leaves year round, sometimes I use them in floral arrangements. My tree has a well established root system so only occasional water is needed during those rare weeks of high temperatures. It sits on an elevation so the drainage is very good, I've read that poor drainage can be a problem for these trees, so keep that in mind if you choose to add one to your garden. Mine is probably around 25 years old now, part of the original landscape plan. It receives citrus fertilizer in spring and fall, and fortunately I haven't had any problems with zinc deficiency or chlorosis.
Although I do really enjoy the fruit, later when the blossoms develop the fragrance is truly heavenly. I grew up in Southern California nearby large orange groves. Many families would drive around the orchards as a weekend outing just to enjoy the perfume from the orange blossoms, a much simpler non-electronic time.