Citrus sinensis 'Washington Navel'
Light: Full sun, ideally 6–8 or more hours daily. Young trees benefit from temporary afternoon shade during extreme summer heat.
Water: Deep, regular irrigation; not drought tolerant. For established trees, wet soil 2–3 feet deep throughout the root zone, allowing the upper few inches to dry between waterings. Water more frequently during Phoenix summers and less in winter; adjust for soil, weather, and tree age.
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam. Tolerates Phoenix’s alkaline soil but may develop nutrient deficiencies. Avoid standing water, keep the root flare exposed, and mulch without covering the trunk.
Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and wide on standard rootstock; dwarf and semi-dwarf trees remain smaller, depending on rootstock and pruning.
Bloom: Primarily late winter through spring, usually February–April in Phoenix. Fruit generally ripens from late fall through winter, depending on cultivar.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate with sufficient water and appropriate citrus nutrition.