Growing Citrus in Zone 9
In zone 9, citrus trees are selected based on the size of the area. Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are best suited for small yards or containers, while a very big yard may house many large citrus tree varieties. It is also important to select citrus trees based on whether they require a second tree for pollination or not. If you have limited space, you may need to grow only self-fertile citrus trees. Certain varieties of citrus trees are also more resistant to pests and diseases, therefore, have a much better chance of providing you with years of fresh fruit. For example, most nurseries do not even carry Lisbon or Eureka lemons because of their susceptibility to scab. Do research on specific varieties when selecting zone 9 fruit trees. When a citrus tree declines, it is usually within the first two years. This is because young unestablished citrus trees require extra care and cold protection. Most citrus trees require a location that rarely experiences frosts. Older, more established, trees have more resilience to cold and frost though. A few cold tolerant citrus trees which can reportedly survive short periods down to 15 degrees F. (-9 C.) are:
Chinotto orange Meiwa kumquat Nagami kumquat Nippon orangequat Rangpur lime
Those said to survive temperatures down to 10 degrees F. (-12 C.) include:
Ichang lemon Changsa tangerine Yuzu lemon Red lime Tiwanica lemon
Recommended Zone 9 Citrus Trees
Below are some of the most recommended zone 9 citrus varieties by species: Orange
Washington Midknight Trovita Hamlin Fukumoto Cara Cara Pinneaple Valencia Midsweet
Grapefruit
Duncan Oro Blanco Rio Red Red Blush Flame
Mandarin
Calamondin California Honey Kishu Fall Glo Gold Nugget Sunburst Satsuma Owari Satsuma
Tangerine (and hybrids)
Dancy Ponkan Tango (hybrid) – Temple Tangelo (hybrid) – Minneola
Kumquat
Meiwa Sweet Centennial
Lemon
Meyer Ponderosa Variegated Pink
Lime
Kaffir Persian lime ‘Tahiti’ Key lime ‘Bearss’ ‘West Indian’
Limequat
Eustis Lakeland
