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.
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Different Rootstock Options, Depending
on Variety and Your Needs
C-35 Citrange
Carrizo
Flying Dragon
Volk
Macrophyll
Sour Orange
Rubidoux
Rich 16-6
Robertson Navel Trees Your Way
From seed to container-ready.
Super Citrus Trees
Small Pots
Citrus Liners
Rooted Cuttings
Budwood
Seeds
How Our Robertson Navel Orange Trees Are Different
Robertson navel orange trees from TreeSource stand out from those offered by many other nurseries because TreeSource is a specialized wholesale citrus grower that produces only certified, disease-free trees under strict USDA and CDFA protocols. All of our Robertson trees are propagated from true-to-type, virus-indexed budwood sourced through the California Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP), ensuring genetic purity and long-term tree health.
TreeSource grafts Robertson navel onto carefully matched rootstocks selected for the customer’s region and growing conditions—whether for commercial nurseries, backyard orchards, or container growing. We offer rootstocks such as Carrizo, C-35, and Flying Dragon trifoliate, each influencing tree size, disease resistance, cold tolerance, and soil adaptability. Many retail nurseries sell only one generic rootstock option, but TreeSource can tailor the tree to the site’s needs.
Another difference is our professional-grade propagation and acclimation process. Trees are grown in greenhouses to protect against pests like Asian citrus psyllid and diseases such as HLB, then hardened off to ensure transplant success. TreeSource trees are also grown to a commercial standard of uniformity and vigor, so buyers receive trees that establish quickly and produce reliably.
In short, while other nurseries may sell Robertson navel oranges, TreeSource delivers a certified, professionally propagated, rootstock-customized, field-ready tree with a clean plant health record, making us a preferred source for serious citrus growers.
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.