Washinton Navel Orange

Washington Navel Orange – Description and Farming Guide

✅ Short Description:

• Shape: Round to slightly oval
• Color: Bright orange with a smooth, glossy peel
• Weight: 180–250 grams (avg.)
• Sweetness: High
• Taste: Rich, juicy, sweet, and seedless
• TSS (°Brix): 11–13°
• Briks: 12–14° (good sugar-acid balance)
• Special Features: Seedless, easy to peel, excellent for fresh eating

🌱 Farming Guide for Washington Navel Orange

1. Climate:

• Type: Subtropical to Mediterranean
• Temperature Range: 15°C – 30°C
• Frost Sensitivity: Sensitive to severe frost
• Rainfall: 1000–1200 mm annually; avoid waterlogging

2. Soil:

• Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loam
• pH: 5.5 to 7.5
• Drainage: Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot

3. Planting:

• Time: June to September (monsoon season)
• Spacing: 6m x 6m
• Pit Size: 1m x 1m x 1m, filled with FYM and soil mix

4. Propagation:

• Method: Bud grafting on suitable rootstocks like Rangpur lime or Rough lemon
• Rootstock Selection: Choose based on local soil and climate

5. Irrigation:

• Young Plants: Every 7–10 days
• Mature Trees: 15–20 days interval depending on season
• Avoid: Over-irrigation, especially during flowering and fruit set

6. Fertilizer Schedule (per plant/year):

• Apply in split doses (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon)

7. Pruning:

• Remove suckers, dead and diseased branches
• Maintain central leader for good sunlight penetration

8. Flowering & Fruiting:

• First Fruiting: 3–4 years after planting
• Full Bearing: 7–8 years
• Harvest Season (India): December to March

9. Pest & Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Citrus psylla, aphids, fruit fly
• Diseases: Citrus canker, gummosis, root rot
• Control: Neem oil spray, Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride

10. Yield:

• Mature Tree: 100–150 fruits/year
• Commercial Orchard (per acre): 8–10 tons annually under good practices

11. Profitability:

• High Market Demand due to seedlessness and excellent eating quality
• Good Returns from December to February when prices are higher

Would you like a comparison with other oranges (like Jaffa, Kinnow, Valencia)?