The 7 Best Citrus Trees to Grow at Home

Citrus plants have been a favorite for gardeners for ages, and it’s easy to see why. They bring that breezy Mediterranean vibe right to your backyard and reward you with a delicious harvest. If you’re looking to add some sunshine to your plant collection, here are the most popular varieties to consider.

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++Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Back in the Baroque era, royalty actually designed entire sections of their gardens just for orange trees. During the winter, they’d move them into heated “orangeries” to keep them safe from the frost. To this day, gardeners love planting orange trees and finding the best ways to help them overwinter. As long as you have a bright, sheltered spot to bring them indoors when the temperature drops, you can enjoy these sweet fruits even in cooler climates.

++Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium)

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the Bitter Orange (also known as Seville orange) is a fantastic choice. It’s a slightly smaller tree with a more tart, complex flavor profile. Between the vibrant fruit and the deep green foliage, it’s a real showstopper. The peels are packed with aromatic essential oils, which is why they’re used for everything from gourmet marmalades to high-end perfumes.

++Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata)

Mandarin trees are a staple for home citrus growers. The fruit is small and easy to peel, and the trees themselves don’t take up nearly as much space as a standard orange tree. Unlike the bitter orange, these are wonderfully sweet. Just a quick tip: make sure you pick a very sunny spot for your mandarin. They need plenty of light to develop those natural sugars and get that perfect ripeness.

++Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)