Citrus x microcarpa
Fruit & Nuts

Calamondin

Citrus x microcarpa

Calamondin · Light: Full sun · Water: Moderate. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightFull sun
WaterModerate
DifficultyModerate
CategoryFruit & Nuts
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Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Calamondin — Growing reference

Scientific nameCitrus x microcarpa
First harvest or flowering (days)730–1460
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)152.4–304.8
Mature height (cm)152.4–365.8
Mature spread (cm)121.9–243.8
USDA hardiness zones8–11
LightFull sun
WaterModerate
Sowing methodTransplant

Growing directions

Calamondin is a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, producing prolific small, sour-sweet fruits that are eaten whole like kumquats or used as a lime substitute in Southeast Asian cooking. The tree is self-fertile, nearly thornless, highly ornamental with fragrant white flowers, and among the easiest citrus to grow in containers — it tolerates indoor conditions better than most citrus. It tolerates brief dips to about 20°F when established. Fruit ripens from late autumn through spring; harvest when fully orange for best flavor, though the rind remains sweet while the flesh is tart even at the green-orange stage.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · calamondin

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗