Valencia Orange Tree

Valencia is the juice orange: the most popular variety for orange juice, and the one grown in Florida more than any other for juicing. It is valued for its sweet-tart taste, its juiciness, and the beautiful bright orange color of the juice. Our Valencia orange trees are seedless. Unusual for oranges, Valencia ripens in the summer and may bloom again while fruit remains on the tree, which can allow for multiple harvests, and ripe fruit can stay on the tree until you are ready to pick it. This is a sweet orange, Citrus sinensis ‘Valencia,’ named after the city of Valencia in Spain, which is known for its orange production. Heat tolerant and perfect for the patio or sunroom, with attractive green leaves and orange-scented white blossoms. Potted trees should come indoors for winter. Self-pollinating, bears in 1-2 years.

Outdoor trees are pollinated naturally, and indoor trees can be pollinated by hand with a small paintbrush.

The Juice Orange

Valencia is the orange to grow if you want fresh-squeezed juice. It is valued for its sweet-tart flavor, very juicy fruit, and bright orange juice, and it is grown in Florida more than any other orange variety for juice. The origin of the variety is disputed, but it was named for Valencia, Spain.

Summer Ripening, and Fruit That Waits on the Tree

Most orange trees ripen in cooler months. Valencia ripens in summer, and the tree may bloom again while fruit is still hanging on it, so you can end up with multiple harvests. Ripe fruit can be left on the tree and picked as you want it, rather than all at once.

A Patio or Sunroom Tree With Fragrant Blossoms

Valencia is a perfect accent for a patio or sunroom, with attractive green leaves and white blossoms that smell of orange. It is heat tolerant, and in cooler climates you grow it in a container and bring it indoors for the winter, which makes it a good fit for gardeners far outside citrus country.

Squeeze, Zest, and Bake

The medium-sized fruit is very juicy and sweet, with a thin rind that is difficult to peel, which is why it shines as a juicing orange. The peel is full of oil glands, so grating the rind adds flavor to many foods. Squeeze it fresh for juice or marmalade, or use the juice and zest in cakes, cookies, and muffins, and pair it with cranberries in baked goods and relishes.

Why Gardeners Choose Valencia Orange

• The classic juice orange: sweet-tart, very juicy, with bright orange juice
• Ripens in summer: may rebloom while fruit remains, allowing multiple harvests
• Fruit that can wait on the tree: pick when you are ready
• Perfect for patios and sunrooms: orange-scented white blossoms, heat tolerant
• Self-pollinating, bears in 1-2 years: seedless fruit, container-friendly