When we think of citrus trees, we usually picture tropical vacations and sun-drenched orchards. But here’s a little secret: you don’t need to live in Florida or Southern California to grow your own citrus! There are actually several cold-hardy varieties that can handle being left outdoors even when the temperature drops.
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++Kumquat (Fortunella)
Kumquats are famous for their tiny, bright orange edible fruits that you can eat skin and all! Because they stay relatively small, they are perfect for patio containers or pots. These little guys are surprisingly tough, handling temperatures down to about 10°F (-12°C). In many regions, they’ll do just fine outside all winter. However, if a major cold snap is headed your way, it’s a good idea to have some winter protection strategies ready to go.
++Citrus Glen (Citroncirus x Citrangedin)
The Citrus Glen is another hardy contender that won’t give up at the first sign of frost. It can comfortably handle lows of 10°F (-12°C). If you live in a zone where the mercury dips lower than that, you’ll want to move the pot to a sheltered spot or wrap it up for the season. It’s a great choice for moderate climates, but if you’re in the far North, you might want to look at an even hardier variety.
++Citsuma (Citsuma Citrandarin (trifoliata))
The three-leaved Citsuma (or Citrandarin) is a real champion when it comes to the cold. This hybrid usually has no trouble surviving temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C). You can recognize it by its distinct three-part leaves. It produces fruit that looks a lot like a tangerine, and yes, they are edible! They have a unique flavor that makes for some absolutely delicious homemade marmalade.
++Citrumelo (X Citroncirus spp.)
Citrumelos are a favorite among backyard gardeners because of their aromatic, flavorful pulp. They are quite resilient, tolerating temperatures down to 5°F (-15°C), which means they can handle a typical winter in many areas without much fuss. If you have a young tree that isn’t fully established yet, a little bit of extra mulch or a frost blanket is usually all it needs to get through the coldest nights.
++Ichang Lemon (Citrus ichangensis)
If you’re looking for that classic lemon look but live in a cooler climate, the Ichang Lemon is your best bet. It can withstand temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C), so you don’t necessarily need a greenhouse to keep it happy. Just plant it in a spot protected from harsh winds. With its lush foliage and attractive fruit, it’s a beautiful addition to the garden that can hold its own against the frost.
++Keraji Mandarin (Citrus keraji)
The Keraji Mandarin is hardy down to about 14°F (-10°C). It’s a lovely, bushy plant with pretty leaves and small fruits that are definitely worth a taste. Just a heads up: they are a bit more tart than the standard mandarins you find at the grocery store. They also tend to wake up a bit earlier in the spring. While it might not be the most prolific producer, its ornamental value and hardiness make it a winner.
++Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)
The Trifoliate Orange is the absolute superstar of cold-hardy citrus. This beast can survive temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C)! Almost no other citrus plant comes close to that level of toughness. If you plant one of these, you can sleep soundly during the winter months knowing your tree will be just fine—usually without any extra protection at all.
%%Yuzu (Citrus junos)
Yuzu has been used as a flavorful lemon substitute for thousands of years. Originally from China, it was brought to the rest of the world by the famous plant explorer Frank N. Meyer. He discovered it during his travels and first described it in 1914. It didn’t take long for this incredibly aromatic fruit to become a hit in Western kitchens, and its ability to handle cooler weather makes it a fantastic choice for adventurous gardeners.