5 CITRUS TREES That Grow To 10 DEGREES (-12C): Grow Cold Hardy Citrus!

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses five cold-hardy citrus varieties that can thrive in backyard gardens in climates as cold as 10°F. They highlight varieties like the Owari Satsuma, Brown Select Satsuma, and Maywa Kumquat, all known for their productivity and cold tolerance. Additionally, the video covers citrus care tips, including winter protection methods using plant jackets and heat sources. The creator also introduces a bonus variety, the Sugar Belle Tangerine, known for its cold hardiness and resistance to citrus greening. These citrus trees are recommended for gardeners in zones 7b-8a, offering a rewarding, low-maintenance experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Citrus season begins with cooler temperatures and a focus on cold-hardy citrus varieties.
• 😀 Cold-hardy citrus trees can grow in climates as low as 10°F with proper protection.
• 😀 Protecting citrus trees during winter involves using plant jackets, heat sources like incandescent lights or water barrels.
• 😀 Owari satsuma mandarin oranges are the most cold-hardy, surviving unprotected down to 12°F, and are nearly seedless and delicious.
• 😀 Brown Select satsuma is also cold-hardy to 12°F and ripens earlier than Owari, extending the citrus harvest season.
• 😀 Maywa kumquats are sweet, cold-hardy down to 15°F, and can survive with minimal protection in marginal climates.
• 😀 Karacara red navel oranges are hardy to 16–20°F and are resistant to cold, with only minor damage after harsh winters.
• 😀 Meyer lemons, a hybrid of lemon and mandarin, are cold-hardy to 18–20°F and are highly productive even as young trees.
• 😀 All citrus trees are grafted to trifoliate rootstock for added cold tolerance, smaller size, and earlier fruiting.
• 😀 Sugar Bell tangerines, a newer variety, show potential for cold-hardiness down to 14°F and are being tested for their resistance to citrus greening.
• 😀 Growing cold-hardy citrus in-ground in zones 8a and southern zone 7b is manageable with minimal maintenance once established.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video focuses on showcasing five different varieties of cold-hardy citrus trees that can be grown in climates with temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a focus on their cold tolerance and fruit quality.

Why is citrus season mentioned in the video?

The video was released at the start of meteorological fall, and the host mentions citrus season as it is the time when citrus trees begin to bear fruit, and he wants to highlight citrus varieties that can thrive in colder climates.

What is the significance of using trifoliate rootstock for citrus trees?

Trifoliate rootstock is used because it imparts cold-hardiness, keeps the tree smaller and easier to protect, and promotes earlier fruiting. It is naturally hardy down to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.

How cold-hardy are the citrus varieties discussed in the video?

The citrus varieties shown in the video can survive temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, with some varieties capable of surviving unprotected at temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit when mature and established.

What are the key cold protection methods for citrus trees mentioned?

The video suggests using plant jackets and heat sources, such as incandescent lights or water-filled pickle barrels, to provide warmth during cold nights. The combination of these methods can add 10 to 15 degrees of warmth to protect the trees.

What is the owari satsuma mandarin orange and why is it recommended?

The owari satsuma is a cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and highly productive citrus tree that is nearly seedless with a sweet flavor. It can survive temperatures down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit and is the host's favorite variety.

What makes the brown select satsuma different from the owari satsuma?

The brown select satsuma is similar to the owari satsuma in terms of cold hardiness, but it ripens earlier, in early to mid-November. It is also highly productive, with almost seedless fruit, making it a great option for extending the citrus season.

Why is the maywa kumquat recommended in the video?

The maywa kumquat is recommended because it is a very sweet, cold-hardy variety that can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also highly productive and is an early-bearing fruit, making it an excellent addition to a cold-hardy citrus garden.

What is the karacara red naval orange and its cold tolerance?

The karacara red naval orange is a variety of mutated Washington navel orange with a darker interior. It is recommended for colder climates as it can survive temperatures between 16 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much lower than the typical 28 degrees Fahrenheit listed online.

What is the myth surrounding the meyer lemon's cold hardiness?

The myth is that the meyer lemon is only hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the video reveals that the meyer lemon can survive temperatures as low as 18 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit once mature, making it more cold-hardy than commonly believed.