The Valencia Orange Tree
Valencia oranges are the main variety used in the production of orange juice. This tree is somewhat unique in that it will take 12-15 months for the fruit to ripen. So, you’ll see fresh blooms next to fully grown ready-to-pick oranges at the same time! When the genome of this orange was mapped, it was found out that it’s actually a backcross hybrid between pomelo and mandarin orange. This also explains why Valencias have a slight alternate bearing tendency.
Basic Information
| Common Name | Valencia Orange |
| Botanical Name | Citrus sinensis ‘Valencia’ |
| Location of Origin | Santa Ana, California |
| USDA Zones | 9-11 |
| Can be grown in containers? | Yes |
Fruit Characteristics
| Fruit Size | Medium-large |
| Fruit Shape | Round |
| Fruit Taste | Sweet |
| Rind Thickness | Medium |
| Rind Texture | Smooth |
| Rind Color | Orange |
| Flesh Color | Orange |
| Easy to Peel? | Fairly easy |
| Seeds | Some |
Tree Details
| Has Thorns? | Small, not very thorny |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Size | Medium-large |
| Flower Color | White |
| Flower Size | Medium-large |
| Mature Tree Height in Ground | 8′ – 10′ |
| Fruit Bearing Age | 3- 4 years old |
| Alternate Bearing? | Somewhat |
| Heat to Sweeten Fruit? | Yes |
Growing Conditions
| Temperature | Hardy to 32 ºF |
| Self-fertile? | Yes |
| Sunlight Required | Full Sun |
| Bloom Season in Minnesota | Spring |
| Harvest Season in Minnesota | Winter |
| Average Spring/Summer Watering | Once every 1-2 weeks, more often when hot |
| Average Fall/Winter Watering | Once every 3 weeks |
Guides for Growing in Containers
Images
