How to Plant Valencia Orange Trees in Florida

Orange trees are hardy only to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Orange trees are tall, subtropical trees that require warm, humid and sunny conditions, with an absence of frost, to grow to their mature height. The Sunbelt of Southern California, Texas and Southern Florida provides the right combination of warmth and sun and is one of the leading orange-producing regions in the world. Valencia oranges are hardier than naval oranges and grow in less nutritious soil and cooler zones. These are ideal trees for Florida's USDA Growing Zones 7 to 9.

Things You'll Need

• 30-gallon pot
• Quick-draining soil
• Organic compost

Instructions

1. Choose a site or pot for your Valencia orange tree. In the colder zone 7 of Northern Florida, where frost can come earlier and bring colder temperatures, grow your Valencia orange in a pot so you can take it indoors during the winter. In warmer zones, choose an outdoor location where the tree will get at least eight hours of full sunlight every day, with full drainage. If you're planting outside, make sure that the tree has at least 25 feet of growing room both upward and outward.

2. Amend the soil in an outdoor location with a combination of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost. According to Purdue University, the best soil to use for orange trees in Florida is Lakeland Fine Sand, also known as high hammock or high pineland sand. Dig this mixture into the top 2 feet of the planting site. If you're planting in a pot, fill the pot 3/4 full with this mixture.

3. Plant Valencia orange trees in early spring, after the frost is off the ground. Frost dates in Florida range from January in the Everglades to early April in Tallahassee. The last frost date in your region will dictate your planting date. Plant the Valencia orange deeply enough to submerge its root ball, as these trees prefer a shallow planting. Water the tree with 2 inches of water to establish the roots in the new site.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Citrus Trees Online, Valencia orange trees account for half of Florida's orange crop.

• In zone 7, move a Valencia orange tree into a protected, indoor position before the frost comes in fall. When you're keeping a tree indoors, keep it in a spot that gets eight hours of natural or artificial sun every day to maintain its health.

References

• Citrus Trees Online: Sweet Valencia Orange
• Aggie Horticulture: Texas Citrus: Home Fruit Production--Oranges
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide -- Site Selection
• Purdue University: Orange
• Victory Seeds: Average First and Last Frost Dates for Florida