Dwarf Valencia Orange Tree (Height: 2 - 3 FT Shape: Standard)
The Dwarf Valencia Orange Tree, classified as Citrus sinensis, is an evergreen tree that belongs to the genus Citrus of the family Rutaceae. This citrus tree reaches to about 8-12 feet in height when planted on ground but tend to be smaller when planted in a container. The leaves of this dwarf orange tree are oval and glossy, while the flowers are white and pleasingly fragrant. The almost-seedless dwarf Valencia orange tree fruit has a thin, golden rind and flesh that is remarkably sweet, juicy and tender when ripe. The tasty Valencia oranges are available in spring thru summer and are primarily used for juicing because of its distinctive bright colored juice that other orange varieties do not have. Dwarf Valencia orange trees are sun-loving and are best grown in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 9 to 11. Although it is a subtropical fruit and prefers hot weather, it can withstand temperatures of 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Valencia orange trees were first discovered in Valencia, Spain. Valencias are believed to be an offshoot of another orange tree from subtropical China. Because of its genealogy, the dwarf Valencia orange tree is hardy and can adapt to many tropical climates. It is also easy to cultivate and has high yield rate. The first citrus trees of its kind were sent by Rivers Nursery in London, England to Parson’s Nursery in Flushing, New York and reached the US harbor in 1870. Some orange trees were sent to Florida in the same year and some made their way to California in 1876, where they were recognized by a Spanish citrus expert as Naranja tarde de Valencia, or Valencia Late. It was only in 1913 that “Valencia” was adopted in Florida and California as the recognized name of this variety.