Oranges are one of the healthiest fruits you can grow. They are high in vitamin C that helps boost the immune system and at the same time has been shown to control free radicals in the body. Oranges also have sufficient amounts of vitamin B6 that may keep blood pressure under control, contains Polymethoxylated Flavones that are known to possibly lower cholesterol, packed with soluble and insoluble fiber that can help control sugar level and constipation, and so much more. Aside from its many nutritional values and numerous health benefits, oranges are tasty, juicy, sweet with a little bit of tang and utterly refreshing.
Valencia Orange Tree Origin
Named after the city of Valencia in Spain, Valencia oranges are actually an American fruit hybridized in US soil. William Wolfskill, an American agronomist from Kentucky, hybridized the Valencia orange on his farm in Santa Ana, southern California sometime in mid-19th century.
Further improvements were made to Valencia oranges in the mid-20th century when Lena Hughes, a Florida botanist, developed virus-free strains for budwood production. Because of its success, 60 percent of Valencia Orange trees propagated in Florida used the Hughes Valencia bud line.
Growing Valencia Orange Trees
When you purchase a Valencia Orange tree for sale it will arrive in a 1, 3 or 5 gallon container and needs to be replanted in a bigger sized pot. With proper care, in just 2 to 3 years, you will start harvesting home-grown oranges you can enjoy with family and friends.
Mature Valencia Oranges trees can reach the height of 12 to 20 feet when planted in the ground, but tend to be smaller when planted in a container. On the other hand, dwarf Valencia Orange trees only reach 5 to 10 feet tall even at maturity.
Tree Care
Tree care doesn’t end when you repot your newly delivered Valencia Orange tree for sale, it is actually just the beginning. Valencia Orange tree care includes proper watering, providing your tree enough sunlight and cold protection, some pruning, sufficient fertilizing and timely pest control.
- Valencia trees like subtropical climates and are best grown outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. It needs about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily and should be protected from cold when temperatures drop below 28 °F.
- The Valencia tree thrives in light, well-draining acidic soil that is abundant in nitrogen.
- Valencia trees do not like wet feet and tend to be prone to diseases when left in standing water. Newly planted trees should only be watered 2 to 3 times a week for the first few weeks using a slow-watering method like drip, bubbler hose or soaker. Once established, you can then limit watering to once a week.
- Fruit trees need fertilizers that are high in nitrogen to produce fruits. For Valencia trees, use citrus fertilizer high with nitrogen (2/1/1). Citrus fertilizer should be applied in February, May and October. Make sure to follow the packaging instruction to ensure you apply the fertilizer properly.