Citrus Floridana

Citrus Floridana or Limequat (lat.Citrus ×floridana) — belongs to the genus Citrus, family Rutaceae (Rutaceae). It is a hybrid of lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and kumquat (Citrus japonica), bred in 1909. Three varieties are known — 'Eustis', 'Lakeland' and 'Tavares'.

This is a small tree with a bushy habit. The leaves are typically citrus. Limequats fruit abundantly even at a young age. The fruit is small, oval, greenish-yellow, and contains seeds. The peel of the fruit is sweet, the pulp is sweet-bitter, tasting similar to lime. The fruits can be eaten whole, and the juice and peel used to flavor drinks and dishes. The fruit juice is very acidic and contains a significant amount of vitamin C.

Citrus Floridana is currently grown in Japan, Israel, Spain, Malaysia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, in California, Florida and Texas. Fruits can be found in small quantities in the autumn and winter months in the United States, India and Japan.

Limequat fruits are usually ready for harvest from November to March. They are picked green and then ripen indoors to a yellow color. The taste of the fruits is similar to lime, but more bitter. The entire fruit is edible, including the peel, but many gardeners prefer to grow limequats for ornamental purposes.

Care for Citrus Floridana consists of regular watering, fertilizing and spraying.

Temperature. In summer +18–+26°C, in winter +12–+16°C. Limequats are more frost-tolerant than limes, but less frost-tolerant than kumquats.

Spraying: regular; in summer once a day, in winter 2-3 times a week

Soil: well-drained, fertile

Watering: as the root ball dries out; avoid letting it dry out completely or becoming waterlogged. In winter, when growth slows, avoid overwatering the soil. Watering frequency: in winter - 2-3 times a month. In spring and summer, during the growing season, the plants need more water, so water 1-2 times a week.

Fertilizers: it is recommended to fertilize citrus only during the active growth period (mid-February – mid-September); plants do not need fertilization during winter rest. A citrus fertilizer rich in potassium, boron and zinc helps maintain all vital processes at the necessary level and is suitable for all citrus.

The first feeding is carried out 3-4 months after repotting, since fresh soil contains the amount of mineral nutrients the plant needs.

Pruning and shaping. Pruning and pinching young shoots helps give the tree the desired shape.

Propagation. Propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings are taken in early spring; to speed rooting they can be treated with Kornevin (rooting hormone).

Overwintering. They require a cool wintering from November to February. The optimal temperature is about +14°C. Supplemental lighting is necessary: on cloudy days – all day, on clear days – in the evenings, so that the total day length is 12 hours.

The absence of a cool winter gradually exhausts the plants, and they may die within a few years.

Pests and diseases: Chlorosis is caused by fertilizer application or insect activity. Mal secco – wilting caused by a fungus. For prevention, treat with fungicides.

Pests: mealybugs, red scale, red and silver spider mites, aphids

Uses. Limequats are used in cocktails, fruit salads; they can be candied whole or preserved. Seeds are usually removed because they impart a bitter taste.

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