Sweet oranges should only be attempted along the lower coastal areas of zone 7 combined with adequate cold protection. Tangerine hybrids such as Orlando, Lee, Robinson, Osceola, Nova, and Page are preferable over Ponkan or Dancy, which ripen later in the season and are susceptible to colder temps. Dancy and Ponkan tangerines are self-fruitful but another cultivar, Clementine, requires cross-pollination from another tangerine or tangerine hybrid. Tangerines are the next best bet with regards to cold hardiness.They fruit well ahead of any potential freezes (normally fall season) and have a relatively long shelf life of about two weeks. Owari is a popular cultivar, as is Silverhill. Satsumas are one of the most cold-hardy of the citrus and differ from mandarin in that it is self-fruitful.Unlike other zone 7 sweet citrus trees, mandarins need to be cross-pollinated for the fruit to set. They are all sweet types of citrus that peel easily. Mandarin oranges include mandarins, satsumas, tangerines, and tangerine hybrids. Trifoliate orange is the superior choice for cold hardiness but sour orange, Cleopatra mandarin, and orange crosses may be used. Look for trifoliate orange ( Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock. Selecting the proper rootstock is crucial. There are both sweet and acid types of citrus trees suited for zone 7 provided there is adequate protection from cold temperatures. Once the citrus tree is 2-3 years old, it can tolerate lower temperatures better and recover from freezes with little to no damage, much more easily than young trees can. Unwrap the tree the next day as temps warm and pull mulch away from the base of the tree to allow it to absorb heat. Cover the tree completely with two layers – first, wrap the tree with a blanket and then plastic. Trees can also be wrapped when chilly temperatures are looming to give them even more protection. Be sure that the container drains well since citrus doesn’t like wet “feet” and put it on wheels so the tree can be easily moved to a more sheltered area.Ī good layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help to keep the roots from getting any freezing damage.

Young trees are most susceptible to cold temps, so it might be advisable for the first few years to grow the tree in a container. Ponds and other bodies of water or overhanging trees will also help trap heat. Trees planted on the south or east side of a home will get maximum protection from winds as well as radiated heat from the house.

It’s important to select a planting site that not only gets plenty of sun and has excellent drainage but one that will provide some cold protection. That said, there are a number of things you can do to protect citrus trees grown in zone 7.įirst off, never plant citrus in an area where it will be assaulted by cold northern winds. Citrus doesn’t tolerate such temperatures, even the hardiest citrus tree varieties. Temperatures in USDA zone 7 may dip down as low as 10 to 0 degrees F.

Keep reading to find out about growing citrus trees in zone 7. The good news is that there are several hardy citrus tree varieties – being citrus trees suitable for zone 7 or even colder. Many of us would love to grow our own citrus but, unfortunately, don’t reside in the sunny state of Florida.

The aroma of citrus fruit is evocative of sunshine and warm temperatures, exactly what citrus trees thrive in.

Ruby grapefruit tree