- 1). Choose a planting location that is in full sun with well-draining soil. Loamy and sandy soils offer the best opportunity for growth, whereas poorly drained and clay soil can result in a poor crop. Navel oranges develop extensive root systems, so the soil needs to be deep enough to accommodate the roots.
- 2). Offer Florida navel orange trees protection from the cold by planting the trees on the south or southeast side of a building. Plant them at least 12 feet from driveways and other structures so they have room to grow. They can grow to be 50 feet tall, so do not plant navel orange trees under a roof line or power lines.
- 3). Dig a hole wider than the navel orange tree's root ball and just as deep. The goal is to have the tree sit slightly above the surrounding ground. If it sits too low, water will gather and cause root rot.
- 4). Place the tree in the center of the hole. Fill it halfway with the removed soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. Continue filling until the soil sits 1 inch above the root mass.
- 5). Build a watering ring around the base of the tree. Make it 2 feet wide and a few inches high. Add water to the ring immediately after planting.
- 6). Water the tree every few days for the first couple of weeks. Even though Florida is hot and humid, orange trees are fairly drought-tolerant and do not need daily watering. Annual rainfall of 40 to 45 inches is sufficient. Reduce watering to once per week once growth appears. Once the watering ring flattens into the surrounding soil, the tree is established.
- 7). Prune navel orange trees by removing dead branches, those that cross or rub each other and young, green shoots that are growing from the tree.
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