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Robertson Navel Orange Trees for Sale
Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors
The Robertson navel orange tree (Citrus sinensis ‘Robertson’) is a premium early-ripening navel variety ideal for home gardens and patios. Originating in Riverside, California, in 1925 as a natural limb sport of the Washington navel, Robertson navel trees are known for their smaller tree size and heavy production, making them a favorite for home gardeners seeking manageable trees with abundant, high-quality fruit.
Its fruit matures earlier than standard Washington Navel, often ready for harvest in December and January. The oranges are seedless, easy to peel, and exceptionally sweet, with a rich flavor and slight reddish-orange hue to the skin. The fruit often sets in tight clusters, which can result in slight flattening where it touches, but the quality remains excellent. Robertson navels hold well on the tree longer than many other early navels, giving homeowners more flexibility in harvest timing.
Robertson Navel Trees Your Way
From seed to container-ready.
How Our Robertson Navel Orange Trees Are Different
When purchasing Gillette navel orange trees from TreeSource, growers receive clean-propagated, true-to-type material from verified budwood sources. We emphasize uniformity, strong root development, and early structure so trees establish quickly and grow evenly. Shipping is handled in heavy-duty palletized triwall containers designed to secure pots and protect canopies, ensuring trees arrive healthy, stable, and ready to plant.
For orchardists and collectors seeking a classic California navel with heirloom pedigree, the Gillette orange offers a balanced, true-navel eating experience and a reliable mid-season harvest window. Whether planted in commercial rows, boutique groves, or heritage blocks, Gillette connects growers to the foundational era of California citrus — supported today by TreeSource’s clean stock program and professional handling to ensure healthy establishment and long-term success.
Robertson Navel Orange Tree FAQs
How is the Roberston navel different from the Washington navel orange?
The Robertson Navel orange is an earlier-ripening mutation of the Washington navel, ready by early December compared to Washington’s late December peak. Its trees are smaller, easier to manage, and often more productive for their size. Fruit sets in tight clusters, develops deeper color sooner, holds well on the tree, and matches Washington’s sweet, seedless flavor, making Robertson ideal for smaller spaces and early-season harvests.
When is the peak harvest season for Robertson navels?
The peak harvest season for Robertson navel oranges is December through January.
How long does it take for a Robertson navel tree to begin bearing fruit?
A Robertson navel orange tree typically begins bearing a small crop in its second to third year after planting, with meaningful harvests starting around the fourth or fifth year as the tree matures. Under good care and proper conditions, yields increase steadily each season.
What kind of pruning regimen do Robertson navel trees require?
Robertson navel orange trees need only light, regular pruning to maintain health and productivity. In the first few years, pruning should focus on shaping the tree, removing crossing or weak branches, and encouraging a strong, open canopy for light penetration.
Once established, pruning is best done after the danger of frost has passed, typically in late winter to early spring, by removing dead wood, suckers from the rootstock, and any branches crowding the center. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary, as Robertson trees are naturally compact; instead, aim for annual light thinning to keep the canopy airy, promote even ripening, and support consistent yields.
Do you offer any guarantees or replacement policies for Robertson navel orange trees that fail to establish after planting?
Robertson is not for a commercial orchard where a warranty applies. Warranties for the homeowner would be up to the retailer that supplies the trees.