The Story
Plant Bio
Citrus sinensis, the sweet orange, is a dense, rounded evergreen tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It features alternate, leathery oblong leaves with winged petioles and produces fragrant, white flowers in spring.
'Valencia' is a late-season cultivar that produces medium-sized, thin-skinned fruit with high juice content and few seeds. The ripe fruit remains stable on the branch for several months after maturing, allowing for an extended harvest window.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
180"
Width
138"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to High
Lifespan
50-100 years
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic (peel oils may cause mild skin irritation)
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct daily sunlight and excellent soil drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil line when backfilled.
- Water deeply immediately after planting, and maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer containing essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese three times per year.
Pro Tip
Avoid heavy pruning into old, leafless wood, as this limits regrowth and reduces subsequent fruit yield; instead, perform light maintenance immediately after harvest to clear deadwood and water sprouts.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply and regularly during dry spells to prevent premature fruit drop.
- Protect young trees from frost using burlap covers or frost cloth when temperatures dip below freezing.
- Maintain a clear, weed-free zone around the base of the tree to reduce competition for nutrients.
Don't
- Do not allow water to pool around the trunk, as the root system is highly susceptible to phytophthora root rot.
- Do not prune heavily in late fall or winter, which exposes tender new growth to frost damage.
- Do not use saline irrigation water, as citrus trees have a low tolerance for salt accumulation.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Valencia Orange questions
What zones can Valencia Orange grow in?
Valencia Orange is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Valencia Orange deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Valencia Orange, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Valencia Orange bloom?
Valencia Orange typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Valencia Orange need full sun?
Valencia Orange does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Valencia Orange drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Valencia Orange handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Citrus to compare

Meyer Lemon
Citrus limon 'Meyer'

Key Lime
Citrus aurantiifolia

Eureka Lemon
Citrus limon 'Eureka'

Calamondin
Citrus mitis

Sanguinello Orange
Citrus reticulata 'Sanguinea'

Moro Blood Orange
Citrus sinensis 'Moro'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Valencia Orange with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.



