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Question: Pollenation of Washington navel orange

15 years ago

Hello! I have a beginner's question, please: I have a small Washington navel orange tree in a pot. I'm guessing it is around ten years old. When I bought it there were small oranges growing on it; since then it has produced none. I live in an area where there are no citrus trees at all -- except mine! Does my tree need to be pollinated by (bees via) another orange tree in order to produce fruit, or is it possible for the tree to produce fruit all by itself (is that called self-pollination?)? A couple days ago I noticed that small flower buds are starting to form -- early this year -- so I would like to do the right thing for my little tree. Thank you in advance for any help you can give! Lindsey :)

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
It may be a beginner's question, but a GOOD beginner's question! ;-)

Here's the story on your Washington navel orange: they don't require pollination at ALL in order to produce fruit. As a matter of fact, though their flowers contain all of the normal 'pieces and parts' (the male and female thingies), there is one important item missing. The pollen (which is what contains the sperm)!

Naval oranges produce fruit parthenocarpically. Hmmmm, I'm not sure of the spelling of that, but I AM certain of the process. No bees required, no swapping of DNA, etc.

You'll need to look elsewhere for an explanation of why your tree has stopped flowering. I'd think in terms of all thing cultural such as sunlight, potting mix, fertilizer regime, and so on.
lindseylu
Original Author
15 years ago
Rhizo 1, thank you for your reply! It's great to know that my tree can make fruit without having a boyfriend or girlfriend nearby :) The tree lives indoors for the winter, in a nice sunny south-facing window, and outdoors for the rest of the year. I could probably give it some better soil...! Do you have any general recommendations as to fertilizing? I'm not set on having oranges but I want my little tree to be healthy. Thanks again! Lindsey :)
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