Citrus × sinensis 'Valencia'
fruitValencia is the quintessential juicing orange, accounting for nearly half of all Florida citrus production. The thin smooth bright-orange rind peels easily, and the flesh delivers the highest juice content of any orange (about one-third cup per medium fruit) with a sweet bright flavor. The unusual late spring through summer harvest fills the gap when navel oranges are out of season.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 5 days
Harvest
~24 months
to first harvest
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
15-20 ft in ground; large pot for container culture
Planting Depth
Same depth as nursery; never bury graft
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9 – 12
When to Fertilize
Every 4-6 weeks during active growth, March through September
Fertilizer
Citrus fertilizer with micronutrients (8-8-8) plus iron and zinc
Plant in full sun on well-drained slightly acidic soil. Hardy in zones 9 to 11; the tree survives short dips near 25F but fruit damages at 28F. In colder zones grow in a 20 in pot. Set the tree at the same depth as the nursery container; never bury the graft. Self-pollinating. Vigorous growth to 15 to 20 ft; prune to maintain a more compact form if desired. Valencia often blooms again while fruit still hangs on the tree, allowing multiple harvests.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first harvest
Nov 11 · Year 3
Year 1
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Limit pruning; apply horticultural oil to new flushes
Encourage ladybugs, blast with water, avoid heavy nitrogen
Dormant oil in late winter; release Aphytis melinus where available
Control psyllid vectors with imidacloprid systemic in spring; remove infected trees immediately
Valencia ripens late spring through summer (March through September). The fruit needs a long warm season to fully develop sugars, so unlike navels do not pick at the first color change; wait until the orange deepens and the fruit gives slightly to thumb pressure. Multiple harvests are possible because Valencia often blooms while still carrying fruit. Refrigerate up to a month; juice freezes well.
About 49 calories per 100 g with 2.4 g fiber, 53 mg vitamin C (88 percent of DV), 181 mg potassium, and 40 mg calcium. Valencia juice is also rich in flavanones (hesperidin and naringenin), citrus-specific compounds studied for cardiovascular benefits and inflammation reduction.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
Year 2
Year 3