Orange - Valencia Tree
Sale
Original price
$199.00
Original price
$0.00
-
Original price
$199.00
Original price
$199.00
Current price
$125.00
$125.00
-
$225.00
Current price
$125.00
The Valencia Orange tree (Citrus sinensis ‘Valencia’) is a widely cultivated citrus variety renowned for its juicy, sweet fruit, primarily used for juicing but also excellent for fresh eating. This evergreen tree is a staple in warm climates, valued for its productivity and adaptability to various growing conditions, including container cultivation. Below is a detailed guide to its characteristics and care requirements.Taste
Valencia Oranges are celebrated for their sweet, juicy flavor with a balanced tartness, making them a top choice for fresh-squeezed orange juice. The bright orange, seedless to low-seed flesh is tender and succulent, encased in a medium-thick, easy-to-peel skin. Their refreshing taste, with subtle floral notes, is ideal for eating fresh, juicing, or using in culinary applications like desserts and sauces.Best Growing Environment
Valencia Orange trees thrive in warm, subtropical climates with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0). They prefer moderate to high humidity and temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C) for optimal growth and fruiting. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, and they adapt to sandy, loamy, or slightly clay-heavy soils. A sheltered site that protects against strong winds ensures better fruit quality and tree health, whether in coastal or inland regions.Common Names
Valencia Orange trees are known by a few common names, reflecting their global cultivation and primary use:
Valencia Orange trees typically grow to 12 to 20 feet tall with a canopy spread of 10 to 15 feet when planted in the ground. Dwarf varieties, popular for container growing or small gardens, reach 6 to 10 feet in height. Regular pruning can maintain a compact shape, facilitating easier harvesting and integration into smaller spaces.Growth Rate
These trees have a moderate growth rate, adding about 1 to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions. They establish within 2 to 3 years and typically begin bearing fruit within 2 to 4 years of planting, with peak productivity after 5 to 7 years. Consistent care, including adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, supports faster growth and higher fruit yields.Sun Requirements
Valencia Orange trees require full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Insufficient sunlight can reduce flowering, fruit set, and overall tree health. A south-facing, unshaded location is ideal to maximize sun exposure and optimize performance.Cold Hardiness
Valencia Orange trees are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, tolerating brief temperature drops to 25°F to 28°F (-4°C to -2°C) when mature. Young trees are more susceptible to frost and require protection, such as frost blankets or burlap wraps, during cold snaps. In Zone 8b, container growing or winter protection allows successful cultivation, with trees moved indoors during freezes.Water Requirements
Valencia Orange trees have moderate water needs. Young trees should be watered 2 to 3 times per week, providing 1 to 2 inches of water to establish roots. Mature trees require deep watering once or twice weekly during the growing season (spring and summer) and every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter, depending on rainfall. Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, particularly in containers or poorly draining soils.Planting Guide
To plant a Valencia Orange tree:
Fertilize Valencia Orange trees to promote healthy growth and fruit production:
Valencia Orange trees are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, thriving in regions like southern California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. In Zone 8b, they can be grown with winter protection, such as frost covers or heaters. Container-grown trees are ideal for colder zones (8 or below), allowing them to be moved indoors to a bright, cool location during winter.
Valencia Oranges are celebrated for their sweet, juicy flavor with a balanced tartness, making them a top choice for fresh-squeezed orange juice. The bright orange, seedless to low-seed flesh is tender and succulent, encased in a medium-thick, easy-to-peel skin. Their refreshing taste, with subtle floral notes, is ideal for eating fresh, juicing, or using in culinary applications like desserts and sauces.Best Growing Environment
Valencia Orange trees thrive in warm, subtropical climates with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0). They prefer moderate to high humidity and temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C) for optimal growth and fruiting. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, and they adapt to sandy, loamy, or slightly clay-heavy soils. A sheltered site that protects against strong winds ensures better fruit quality and tree health, whether in coastal or inland regions.Common Names
Valencia Orange trees are known by a few common names, reflecting their global cultivation and primary use:
- Juice Orange
- Valencia Late
- Hamlin Orange (in some regions)
- Sweet Orange
Valencia Orange trees typically grow to 12 to 20 feet tall with a canopy spread of 10 to 15 feet when planted in the ground. Dwarf varieties, popular for container growing or small gardens, reach 6 to 10 feet in height. Regular pruning can maintain a compact shape, facilitating easier harvesting and integration into smaller spaces.Growth Rate
These trees have a moderate growth rate, adding about 1 to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions. They establish within 2 to 3 years and typically begin bearing fruit within 2 to 4 years of planting, with peak productivity after 5 to 7 years. Consistent care, including adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, supports faster growth and higher fruit yields.Sun Requirements
Valencia Orange trees require full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Insufficient sunlight can reduce flowering, fruit set, and overall tree health. A south-facing, unshaded location is ideal to maximize sun exposure and optimize performance.Cold Hardiness
Valencia Orange trees are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, tolerating brief temperature drops to 25°F to 28°F (-4°C to -2°C) when mature. Young trees are more susceptible to frost and require protection, such as frost blankets or burlap wraps, during cold snaps. In Zone 8b, container growing or winter protection allows successful cultivation, with trees moved indoors during freezes.Water Requirements
Valencia Orange trees have moderate water needs. Young trees should be watered 2 to 3 times per week, providing 1 to 2 inches of water to establish roots. Mature trees require deep watering once or twice weekly during the growing season (spring and summer) and every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter, depending on rainfall. Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, particularly in containers or poorly draining soils.Planting Guide
To plant a Valencia Orange tree:
- Select a sunny, well-drained site, at least 15 to 20 feet from structures or other trees.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
- Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance drainage and fertility.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the bud union (graft) is 2 to 4 inches above the soil line.
- Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
- Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or bark), keeping it 6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
- For containers, use a pot at least 15 gallons with drainage holes and a citrus-specific, well-draining potting mix.
Fertilize Valencia Orange trees to promote healthy growth and fruit production:
- Early Spring (February/March): Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer (e.g., 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 NPK) as new growth emerges. Use 1 to 2 cups for young trees or 3 to 4 cups for mature trees, spread around the drip line and watered in thoroughly.
- Early Summer (May/June): Apply a second dose of the same fertilizer to support fruit development, using half the spring amount to avoid over-fertilization.
- Late Summer (August): Apply a light dose of a potassium-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-10) to enhance fruit quality and prepare the tree for dormancy.
- Container Trees: Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season with a liquid citrus fertilizer (e.g., 5-1-3), diluted per package instructions. Avoid fertilizing after September to prevent frost-sensitive growth.
Valencia Orange trees are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, thriving in regions like southern California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. In Zone 8b, they can be grown with winter protection, such as frost covers or heaters. Container-grown trees are ideal for colder zones (8 or below), allowing them to be moved indoors to a bright, cool location during winter.