Citrus sinensis 'Valencia' – Valencia Orange

Citrus sinensis 'Valencia' is the classic late season juicing orange, an evergreen tree with a dense rounded head of glossy leaves. The fruit is thin skinned and full of juice, with a deep colour and a flavour that carries acid as well as sugar. Blossom is white and fragrant. It grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres a year, wanting full sun and a fertile free draining soil. Young trees need frost protection through their first two winters. Established trees take light to moderate frost without lasting damage. This is the tree to plant if you juice. Fruit ripens late spring into summer and hangs on the tree for months afterwards, so you pick as you need rather than dealing with a glut. It suits home orchards, rural blocks, avenue rows and large containers on a sunny terrace. Frequently Asked Questions About Valencia Orange What makes Valencia different from a navel orange?Valencia ripens late, from late spring into summer, where navels are a winter orange. The fruit is thinner skinned, juicier and slightly more acidic, which is why it dominates the juicing trade. It carries a few seeds, and the juice keeps its flavour longer after squeezing than navel juice does. How big does a Valencia orange tree grow?It reaches 4 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide left unpruned, larger than most navel oranges. Annual growth is around 30 to 60 centimetres. Pruning after harvest holds it to a comfortable picking height, and trees in large containers stay well under those figures. When does Valencia fruit ripen?From late spring into summer, several months later than winter oranges, which is what gives it its place in the garden. Flowers open in spring and the fruit takes close to a full year to mature, so a tree often carries two crops at different stages at the same time. How long will the fruit hold on the tree?Valencia holds exceptionally well, often for several months after it first reaches eating quality, so you can pick over a long window instead of harvesting everything at once. Fruit left through warm weather can regreen slightly in the rind while staying sweet inside, which is harmless. What position and soil does it need?Full sun, all day if possible, in a spot sheltered from strong wind. Soil should be a free draining loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, improved with compost before planting. Avoid heavy clay and anywhere water sits on the surface after rain. How far apart should Valencia orange trees be planted?Allow 4 metres between trees for a feature planting so each canopy develops fully, or 3 to 4 metres for a uniform avenue or orchard row. Closer spacing works if you commit to annual pruning, but crowded citrus fruit less well and hold more humidity inside the canopy. How do I care for a Valencia orange tree?Water deeply through flowering and fruit development, then reduce in winter. Mulch the root zone and keep mulch clear of the trunk. Feed with citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. Prune lightly after harvest and remove any growth from below the graft union.