How do you grow navel oranges?

Answer 1

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a sunny location at least 12 feet from the nearest building
• young, small navel orange tree
• topsoil
• ammonium sulfate

1. Step 1

   Choose a site for the tree. Navel orange trees do better in tropical and subtropical climates, with the subtropical the optimal choice. Protection from cold is necessary. Orange trees are therefore not recommended for climates that dip below 30 degrees at any time. Ice can begin to form within the fruit after only three hours of temperatures below 27 degrees.
   
   Orange trees prefer deep, well-drained soil. These trees do not tolerate heavy or clay-filled soils for extended periods of time; such soil needs amendments for the navel to grow well. Otherwise, the tree will not fruit well and will die fairly young.

2. Step 2

   Plant the tree in full sun at least 12 feet from the nearest large structure. This allows the roots room to grow to full maturity. When planted near a building, Oranges grow best on the south side of the structure.
   
   Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and a few inches deeper than the pot containing the tree. Place the tree in the hole and backfill soil onto the roots. Water thoroughly to help bottom roots establish. Finish backfilling the hole and add an inch of soil around the base of the tree to prevent roots from surfacing.

3. Step 3

   Water the new tree thoroughly after planting, out to the drip line. Continue to water daily while the roots establish. Do not overwater after the tree is established, as these trees are very vulnerable to root rot.

4. Step 4

   Maintain healthy trees by protecting them from cold. If temperatures drop close to 30 degrees, cover young trees with blankets. Stake the four corners of the blanket to the ground with tent stakes.

5. Step 5

   Mature navel orange trees need to be watered once every two weeks in all but very sandy soils. Continue feeding annually with one cup of ammonium sulfate for each year of the tree's age. Split the amount into three or four applications.
   
   It usually takes about three years after transplanting for trees to bear any good fruit; navels may then produce 10 to 15 pounds of it in the third season. Navels are "early" oranges--the fruit matures in early fall. Resist the temptation to pick fruit too early. It is much sweeter if it ripens longer.

Answer 2

70 feet