Welcome fellow plant fanatics! Isn't it a challenge to keep our green friends alive during chilling winters? Today, we are bringing you an exciting array of the most cold hardy citrus trees on our planet.
Before we venture into the frosty depths, let's remember that everyone has their favourites. I've selected some of the citrus trees that are best suited for cold climates based on personal preference and experience. However, we will also cover the citreophiles' most cold hardy varieties.
So let's dive into the world of citrus that can take the chill!
Citramello Hardy Grapefruit: The Chill-Loving Grapefruit
Named first on our list is the hybrid wonder, the Citramello Hardy Grapefruit.
A delicious mix of the hardy orange and the pomelo grapefruit, this tree can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it isn't the most cold hardy citrus tree, it's the hardiest among grapefruit varieties. The fruit has a delightful blend of lemon and grapefruit taste, making it a must-have for grapefruit lovers residing in colder planting zones.
A vigorous and disease-resistant root system makes the Hardy Grapefruit a perfect candidate for grafting. Its unique flavour has earned it a place in the garden, as much for its resistance as for its taste.
Kumquat: The Sweet & Sour Delight
Next up is the Kumquat, a tree that I simply can't stop raving about!
What sets the Kumquat apart in the citrus world is that you're supposed to eat both the skin and inner flesh. The skin provides a sweet note while the inner flesh gives it a tangy twist. Unlike most citrus fruits, which have a bitter skin, the skin of a Kumquat is enjoyable and contributes to its unique taste.
The Kumquat can withstand temperatures down to 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and although it isn't the hardiest when it comes to dealing with frost, it is a unique fruit that's both delicious and visually appealing. It's beautiful foliage provides a pleasant contrast to the orange fruit, making it a lovely addition to any plant collection. Moreover, with a height of five to six feet, it's a highly productive potted plant.
"Long story short, if you haven't added a Kumquat tree to your collection, I highly recommend it. Don't wait another second, because I promise you, you're going to love it."
Icheng Lemon: Bigger and Frost Tolerant
The Icheng Lemon is an intriguing fruit that never disappoints.
Grown quite large, this lemon certainly stands out in its category. Although it houses few seeds, it's unlikley to be an issue considering lemons aren't usually eaten like oranges. The Icheng Lemon's versatility shines through as an ingredient in juices and desserts.
Additionally, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit - a notable advantage over other lemon trees! Even for those who can't plant this outdoors due to colder climates, worry not, as this tree can be grafted onto a dwarfed root stalk and nurtured in a pot.
Arctic Frost Satsuma: Mandarin Hybrid in Cold
Here we have a very exciting addition to our cold-hardy list- the Arctic Frost Satsuma!
A mandarin hybrid, the Arctic Frost Satsuma, is easy to peel, sweet, and incredibly tasty. It has been tested and survived nine degrees Fahrenheit at Texas A&M University.
Please note that it's best to grow this tree in a pot for a couple of years before planting it outdoors. As tree age improves cold tolerance, a bit of patience will pay off. While great as an outdoor tree eventually, it does extremely well as a potted plant even in extremely cold climates due to its higher productivity in pots.
"Go ahead and get it. You're not going to be disappointed."
And now, for the moment we've been waiting for!
Yuzu: A Freeze-Hardy Aromatic Delight
The Yuzu is a highly cold-hardy tree withstanding temperatures down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. Its fruit could be a delightful addition to your juices and desserts. The flowers are extremely aromatic and offer a captivating citrusy whiff to your outdoors. Although it's sour to eat fresh, the Yuzu does have many culinary uses and justifies its addition in your list of citrus tree collections.
Trifoliate Orange: The Ultimate Cold Warrior
Claiming the winning spot is the Trifoliate orange, which can stand extreme temperatures down to negative ten degrees Fahrenheit. This citrus tree produces orange aid-like fruits that should be consumed carefully. While they indeed add a latex-like texture and a stickiness to your hands, especially if you're getting the seeds out, its adaptability to extreme cold is a trait that's hard to ignore!
The Trifoliate orange blooms with fragrant flowers, enhancing your outdoors with their lovely citrus scent. This tree can be planted outdoors even in Zone 5, which is quite amazing!
Nonetheless, be careful of the large, pointy, and highly dangerous thorns. Expect to do considerable pruning to make it manageable to reach the fruits inside the tree. Also, these trees can be invasive as they can sprout from fallen seeds, so be sure to maintain them well.
These tough winters might still give you citrusy delights despite the frost. So add these trees to your collection, and you're bound to love them! Enjoyed the content? Like and subscribe to our channel for more fascinating insights into the world of frost-tolerant citrus trees. Share it with your green-thumbed friends who might be looking to diversify their cold hardy citrus trees.