Overview

Cultivate your own exotic fruit with this impressive calamansi live plant. Also known as the calamondin citrus tree, this specimen arrives at a generous 5 ft tall in a robust 5-gallon nursery pot, ready to establish in your garden or a larger container. The Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus known for its small, round, intensely tart fruits, which are a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. This tropical gem is not only productive but also adds a lush, evergreen aesthetic to any outdoor space, making it a perfect addition for both culinary enthusiasts and ornamental gardeners.

Originating from the Philippines, the calamansi is a versatile and resilient plant, capable of thriving in various warm climates. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for patios, balconies, or smaller garden plots where space might be a consideration. Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh, zesty fruits directly from your very own sour citrus plant, perfect for beverages, marinades, and desserts.

Key Benefits

Adding a calamansi live plant to your home offers a multitude of advantages, from fresh fruit production to enhancing your garden’s appeal. This resilient citrus tree provides both beauty and utility, enriching your outdoor living experience.

• Fresh Fruit Production: Enjoy a continuous supply of tart, juicy calamansi fruits, perfect for cooking, drinks, and garnishes. Harvesting your own fruit ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
• Compact Growth: Its naturally compact size makes it ideal for container gardening, patios, or small garden spaces where a full-sized citrus tree might be too large.
• Evergreen Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round visual interest and a touch of tropical elegance to your landscape.
• Fragrant Blooms: Delicate white flowers precede the fruit, releasing a delightful citrus fragrance that can enhance your outdoor environment.
• Culinary Versatility: Calamansi juice is a fantastic ingredient for marinades, cocktails, desserts, and dipping sauces, offering a unique tangy flavor.
• Ornamental Value: Beyond its fruit, the tree itself is highly ornamental, making it a beautiful focal point in your garden or on your patio.
• Easy to Grow: With proper care, this calamondin citrus tree is relatively low-maintenance and rewarding for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Ensuring the health and productivity of your calamansi live plant requires attention to its specific environmental needs, particularly regarding sunlight, water, and soil. This tropical citrus thrives when its fundamental requirements are consistently met, leading to abundant fruit production.

For optimal growth and fruit development, your calamondin citrus tree requires full sun exposure, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing in a container, position it in the sunniest spot on your patio or balcony. When planting directly in the ground, choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day and is protected from strong winds. Consistent moisture is crucial for this plant. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but never waterlogged. Good drainage is paramount; use a well-draining potting mix for containers or amend heavy garden soil with organic matter to improve drainage.

The Calamansi tree prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer, following the product’s instructions. Reduce fertilization in winter. This sour citrus plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, where it can be grown outdoors year-round. In colder climates, it must be brought indoors before the first frost. Protect from temperatures below 25°F (-4°C). Watch out for common citrus pests like aphids and scale; address them promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Proper pruning can help maintain shape and encourage fruit production, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches.

Size & Details

This calamansi live plant arrives as a well-established specimen, standing approximately 5 ft tall from the base of the plant to the top. It is securely rooted in a 5-gallon nursery pot, providing a strong foundation for continued growth. The calamondin citrus tree is known for its moderate growth rate, and with proper care, it will continue to flourish and produce fruit for many years. It is typically shipped in its nursery container with soil to minimize transplant shock and ensure a smooth transition to its new home. Expect mature fruits to develop within one to two years under ideal growing conditions, offering a rewarding harvest from your very own outdoor citrus plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This calamansi live plant arrives at approximately 5 ft tall. With proper care, it can reach a mature height of 6-10 feet when grown in the ground, though it can be maintained smaller in a container.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The plant is shipped in a 5-gallon nursery pot, providing a good starting size for its root system. We recommend transplanting it to a larger container or directly into the ground upon arrival.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This calamondin citrus tree is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in full sun. In USDA Zones 9-11, it can be grown outdoors year-round. In colder regions, it needs to be brought indoors during winter.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The sour citrus plant requires full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, Calamansi trees are relatively easy to care for, especially if you provide them with consistent sunlight, proper watering, and well-draining soil. They are a good choice for gardeners looking for a rewarding fruit-bearing plant.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your calamansi live plant will arrive well-packaged in its 5-gallon nursery pot with soil, ensuring it is healthy and ready for planting. We take great care to protect the plant during transit.
• Q: Can I use calamansi in cooking? A: Absolutely! Calamansi fruits are highly prized in cooking, especially in Asian cuisine. Their tart juice is excellent for marinades, dressings, drinks, and desserts, offering a unique citrus flavor.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: The best time to plant your outdoor citrus plant is in spring or early summer after the last frost, allowing it ample time to establish before cooler weather. For indoor container growing, it can be planted any time of year.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature it can tolerate? A: This Calamansi tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to approximately 25°F (-4°C) for short periods. It should be protected from colder temperatures.
• Q: Is it shipped in soil? A: Yes, the calamansi live plant is shipped in its nursery pot with soil, ensuring the roots remain hydrated and protected during transit.