hardy-orange (Citrus trifoliata (syn. Poncirus t.))—30 seeds (.00)

Description

—hardy-orange
(
Citrus trifoliata
(syn.
Poncirus trifoliata
)
)
—fruiting shrub
—
Size
: 8-20’ tall by 6-15’ wide
—Site
: full sun to shade
—USDA Hardiness
Zones
: 5-10
—
To Propagate
: 90 days cold, moist stratification.
Note:
We store our
Citrus trifoliata
seeds under refrigeration, which should satisfy the required cold treatment for this species—seeds may be planted immediately upon arrival. If germination rate is not satisfactory place containers in the refrigerator for 30 days. (Because the seeds of this species are recalcitrant seeds should be planted immediately upon arrival.)
One of the hardiest members of the edible citrus family, hardy orange exhibits the typical glossy leaves, fragrant white blooms, and thorns of a typical citrus. Hardy orange marked difference is its large green thorns.
Hardy orange has attractive apple-green branches and a compact shape. The fruit is more akin to a round lemon than an orange, its skin and flesh being of similar color. Fruit is edible but very acidic and seedy—fruit is most commonly used in cooked recipes such as marmalade. The peel can be candied. If the ripe fruit is held for several weeks it becomes juicy with a bright acid flavor.
Hardy orange is most striking in the winter after leaf-drop when its architecture of green branches and fruit are most visible, especially in contrast to a snowy landscape. Fruit persists past Christmastime providing significant ornamental interest.
Tolerant of extremes from over 100 degrees to minus 20 degrees, sun or shade. Though typically grown in full sun where hardy orange makes its best appearance, we have seen individuals growing in dense shade as an understory shrub, though these specimens were not as full as if grown in the sun.
Hardy orange can be pruned to control its height, used as a barrier hedge, or in a container. In fact, this is one of the preferred fruiting plants for bonsai.
This species is used as rootstock for grafting other citrus species because of its hardiness.
Note
: If you order more than one lot of one species of seeds, for example you place two orders of 100 seeds, or whatever variation is offered, we assume you want 200 seeds and your order will be sent in one seed packet.