Variegated Calamondin Tree - Citrus microcarpa

Variegated Calamondin Tree (Citrus microcarpa)

The Variegated Calamondin is a cold-hardy citrus specimen that produces stunning striped fruit in shades of green and gold, delivering bright, tangy flavors perfect for culinary applications. This compact, self-fertile variety thrives in containers, garden beds, and indoor spaces, making it ideal for homeowners looking to grow their own citrus harvest year-round. When you buy a Variegated Calamondin online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're investing in a hardy tree that combines ornamental beauty with productive fruiting power.

Landscaping Uses

Plant your Variegated Calamondin in a sunny location with well-draining soil for best results. This tree works beautifully as a focal point in garden landscapes, along patios, or in large containers on decks and porches. Its compact growth habit and fragrant blooms make it an excellent choice for creating a backyard citrus grove, while container cultivation allows northern gardeners to move it indoors during cold months.

Specifications

Height: 10–15 feet (in-ground); controllable with pruning
Width: 8–12 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Water: Deep, infrequent watering; allow soil surface to dry between sessions
Soil: Well-draining, loose soil with good organic content
USDA Zones: 8–11

Why Homeowners Love It

• Produces abundant striped citrus fruit suitable for juices, marmalades, and culinary substitutes for lemons and limes
• Self-fertile flowering ensures consistent fruit production without requiring a pollinator tree
• Extremely cold-hardy compared to standard citrus varieties, expanding growing possibilities
• Compact enough for container gardening, patios, and sunroom cultivation

Planting & Care

Choose a sunny location and prepare well-draining soil; for containers, use a 10–14 inch pot with drainage holes. Dig your planting hole twice as wide as the rootball and at the same depth, filling to the root crown without burying the graft union. Water deeply after planting and establish a consistent watering schedule, applying water once weekly around the tree's drip line. Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly during spring, summer, and early fall for optimal growth and fruit production. In early spring, prune to remove dead wood, maintain shape, and eliminate any shoots sprouting below the graft union.