This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Citrus sinensis Valencia - the orange, came originally from China and has become one of mankind's favourite fruits.
Valencia is particular being one of the sweetest and a late fruiting variety.
It is an attractive rounded tree with dark green, glossy, elliptical and fragrant leaves that makes an attractive garden specimen regardless of the fruit it bears.
But then in spring come the seductively scented white flowers that appear singly or in clusters which then set to small green fruits. At this time the tree will have new and previous seasons fruit.
The fruit takes 12 - 15months to ripen. The previous years fruit will start to ripen in mid spring and will stay on the tree for many weeks.
The Valencia Orange is one of the most popular varieties planted worldwide as it is sweet and juicy, low in seed pips, excellent for juicing or eating and quite thin skinned.
They can be 'alternate-bearing' meaning that they will crop heavily one year, then lighter the next.
For best flavour and sweetness - oranges need warm days and cool nights. They will grow in cooler climate but will not be as sweet. In tropical areas the fruit will be very sweet but wont have that tang.
Soil: Soil needs to be well watered, well drained, slightly acidic with no root competition. In poorly drained soils or areas where Phytophthora cinnamonii is a problems, plant in raised beds or containers
They like humus rich soils, are very heavy feeders, particularly of nitrogen and can just about withstand short, light frosts. Though longer, harder frost will cause them to drop all foliage and in severe cases die.
Maintenance: Water well once fruit has set - if not, new fruit will drop off.
Needs a balanced feed in spring with good nitrogen content.
Keep well watered in dry periods - good long soaks are much better than a quick splash - but it must be free draining or roots will rot.
Prune out old, dying and crossing internal branches to keep it open and a healthy air flow.
Remove all fallen fruit from under tree to reduce problems with fruit fly.
Beware bursting fruits. Hot summer winds can be a cause for fruits to literally burst out of their skins. Hot winds dessicate (dry out) the rind and the fruit. The tree responds by taking on more water than usual to compensate, but as the rind has dried and thinned it cannot contain the new bulk of juice within and bursts open. - see detailed article on this problem in the 'Community'>'Gardeners Blog' section of this website.
Diseases: White Wax Scale and soot can be a problem along with citrus miners and stink bugs (bronze citrus bugs).
Watch out for these as they will spray you with a foul smelling liquid if you get too close - and its amazing how far it will travel and how long it takes to wash off. Armed with a long stick you can knock them off the leaves in order to tread on them, not forgetting of course to wash the soles of your shoes afterwards.
Snails also love Citrus.
Other Species: Many famous species in the genus including:-
Citrus Limon (Lemon), Paradisi (Grapefruit), Aurantifolia (Lime), Reticulata (Mandarin), Tangelo (Tangerine).
Comments: All citrus are heavy nitrogen feeders - so if your dog pees on the tree, don't tell it off, its good for it with uric acid containing high levels of amonia which then turns to available nitrogen.
Orange oils are good for cleaning and protecting wood, make excellent pesticides and provide scents for soaps and perfumes.
Author: Bob Saunders.