How to Plant Valencia Orange Trees
Of all the orange trees that are available to grow, the Valencia variety is the most planted of all the sweet oranges, according to Texas A&M University. Originally from areas in northeastern India, Valencia oranges are grown throughout the world in climates that are sub-tropical and tropical. Juicy, healthy and sweet, Valencia oranges are delicious eaten raw or squeezed into fresh orange juice. You can plant Valencia orange trees at any time in spring, provided freezing temperatures have passed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate a planting site in full sun that's well away from other trees, lawns and wind.
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Dig a planting hole that's approximately twice the width of the growing container and about 1 1/2 times its depth. Space multiple planting holes approximately 10 to 15 feet apart.
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Mix approximately 2 cups of super-phosphate fertilizer into the soil you extracted from the planting hole. If you prefer using a natural fertilizer, use approximately 1/2 cubic feet of well aged compost in place of the super-phosphate. Incorporate the amendments into the soil well.
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Transfer some of the amended soil back into the planting hole until it appears to be about the same depth as the growing container, but no deeper.
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Remove the Valencia orange tree from its growing container. Lay the pot sideways on the ground or sturdy table or workbench. Strike along the top of the container with a rubber mallet and slide the pot from the root system. If the orange tree has been growing in a soil-less growing media, wash off approximately 1 inch from around the entire root ball. This helps to facilitate the formation of new roots.
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Level the orange tree in the hole and scoop in a few shovelfuls of soil. Ensure the top of its root system is no deeper in the planting hole then it was in its growing container.
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Pour water into the hole until it is full. Let the water drain away fully before filling the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you proceed.
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Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine needles, wood chips, straw or grass clippings around the Valencia orange tree. Water the orange tree every three to four days for the first two to three weeks, then reduce to once every seven to ten days thereafter until new growth appears.
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Tips & Warnings
Water Valencia orange trees thoroughly during the growing season. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch at a depth of about 12 to 16 inches.
