Citrus sinensis Seeds | Orange Valencia Fruit Tree
LATIN NAME: Citrus sinensis
COMMON NAME: Valencia Orange
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Valencia Orange (Citrus sinensis) stands out as a tree in the rue family. LATIN NAME: Citrus sinensis COMMON NAME: Valencia Orange orange tree holds its glossy leaves and round, golden fruits through cool months, and small, white flowers open among dark leaves. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained ground. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the rue family, Citrus sinensis draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Valencia Orange for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Orange tree is a fine, historic tree of warm garden and citrus grove. It is a fine, historic tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained garden. Give young tree warm, sheltered spot for the first years, and the golden fruits will come in the long run. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Citrus gives far more than vitamin C: peel flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin are studied for vascular health, the dried peels, Chen Pi and Qing Pi, are major Chinese digestive herbs, and citrus pectin is a standard soluble fiber ingredient.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Valencia Orange under ordinary good conditions. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Valencia Orange often pair it with these related subjects: