Searching for an orange tree variety to grow in the desert or elsewhere in California? We’d like to introduce you to the Valencia orange tree! It’s one of the best orange trees to grow in the desert due to its tolerance to heat, a variety of soil, and drought compared to the average orange tree. And of course, it comes as a huge plus that it produces sweet and juicy Valencia oranges- prized for making orange juice.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Valencia orange trees are beautiful evergreen trees that have deep green leaves throughout the year. When they produce fruit, the bright oranges contrast nicely with the glossy green leaves.
Upright growth pattern. Grows to 15-25 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, although many people keep it shorter for easier orange harvest. Dense branches and leaves make it a good shade tree.
Small, white flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance.
Followed by round Valencia oranges, which are famous for their sweetness and juiciness.
When they first appear, they are green, and as they ripen, turn orange. Some Valencia orange varieties have oranges that stay green or revert to green. Few seeds, usually less than 10 per fruit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Soil
Another important aspect of orange tree care and properly growing a Valencia orange tree is choosing a sunny spot. Valencia orange trees usually need full sun exposure. Make sure this spot gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day.
Orange trees can still grow in partial or filtered sunlight, but they produce the biggest oranges in full sun conditions.
The soil in this location should be fertile and well-drained. It should also be deep enough for full root growth.
Don’t plant Valencia orange trees in wet or heavy clay soil. Both of those soil conditions limit root growth.
Watering
Regular Watering: Water the tree deeply immediately after planting. During the first year, water the tree regularly (1-2 times per week) to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Mature Trees: Once established, Valencia orange trees are more drought-tolerant but still require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Avoid Overwatering: Make sure the soil dries out slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
Valencia orange trees need to be fertilized 3 times a year. You should only use specialized fertilizer for citrus trees. For the best results, follow the instructions on the package to the letter.
There are 3 times you should fertilize a Valencia orange tree: spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to apply the fertilizer early on in these seasons.
Planting Instructions
- When to Plant: The best time to plant Valencia orange trees is in the spring after the last frost or in the fall if you live in a mild climate.
- Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root growth.
- Positioning: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning
Minimal Pruning Needed: Pruning is generally light and mainly done to maintain shape and remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This helps improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Remove Suckers: Remove any suckers (shoots growing from the base of the tree) as they appear. Suckers can divert energy away from fruit production.
Pruning Time: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins, but avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce fruit production.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate a Valencia orange tree is through cuttings. Obtain 1-foot-long semi-hardwood cuttings with a sharp tool and plant them in the soil. Keep soil moist until it’s well established.
Container Growing Tips
- Choose a Large Container: If growing a Valencia orange tree in a pot, choose a container that is at least 1.5x wider than the nursery container and has good drainage holes.
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for citrus. Make sure the container is placed in a location that receives full sun.
- More Frequent Watering: Container-grown trees may need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, as the soil can dry out faster.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests: Valencia orange trees can attract pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect your tree for any signs of infestation, including sticky leaves (a sign of honeydew from sap-sucking insects) or sooty mold.
Natural and Chemical Treatments: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to control pests. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help manage aphid populations.
Fungal Diseases: Watch for fungal diseases such as root rot, anthracnose, and sooty mold. Prevent these by ensuring proper watering practices (watering at the base of the tree) and keeping the area around the tree clean and free of fallen leaves and fruit.
III. Uses and Benefits
Valencia oranges are widely used in California and the US in general for producing orange juice. They are sweet, have high water content, and have very few seeds. Outside of juicing, oranges have a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses.
Popular in California and the Southwest because of its tolerance for coastal and desert environments. Valencia orange trees are more drought-tolerant than the average orange tree.
Valencia orange trees usually fruit more than once a year. It’s also the only orange tree that produces a crop in the summer.
Ripe oranges hold up well on the tree. No need to pick immediately once they’re ripe.
Keep it in a container and over winter indoors if your region experiences below-freezing temperatures.
Prune weak or diseased branches throughout the year. The heaviest pruning should be done in late winter to keep trees at a manageable size.
Great tree for adding fragrance to the garden as well as attracting pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies.
Self-fertile. You only need one Valencia orange tree to produce oranges.
