Author Topic: Cold hardiness of bergamot?  (Read 1108 times)

Citradia

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Cold hardiness of bergamot?
« on: July 06, 2020, 08:55:19 AM »
After doing a lot of searching online, I am not finding a good reliable answer to how cold hardy bergamot is. I’ve seen on Dave’s Garden that it’s hardy to 35 degrees F, and somewhere else 30 degrees F, and that they are one of the least cold hardy citrus and only grow well in the Mediterranean. I’ve also seen a lot of discrepancies about whether or not it is genetically citrus aurantium of variety bergamia, or part lemon of lime. I thought aurantium sour orange is supposed to be cold hardy. Ilya says his is in a pot, so I’m assuming bergamot can’t handle freezing temps well. I was planning on planting mine ( on flying dragon rootstock) outside one day and protecting it with a cold frame with space heater like I do my satsumas, but if it cannot survive 25 degrees F,  I’ll have to bring it in the house in winter. I look forward to the expert opinions and answers to follow. Thanks in advance!

giorgosgr.

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Re: Cold hardiness of bergamot?
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2020, 09:01:10 AM »
i have one tree that is around 6 years old and is doing great down to 25°F with no protection at all. i have often snowfalls and it does fine. I just cut all the fruits before snow.
This is the weather it survives each year. It lasted 5 days last year




To compare it with other citrus i would say its hardier that lemon trees, and less hardy than orange trees

PDXIan

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Re: Cold hardiness of bergamot?
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2020, 12:37:39 PM »
I have one in a greenhouse in Portland in the ground. I heat it a little when it drops below freezing, but it was 27 a few nights this winter, and totally fine.

Ilya11

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Re: Cold hardiness of bergamot?
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2020, 05:52:20 PM »
The origin of bergamot is still not exactly known, but the latest data point to C. limon × C. aurantium backcross.
I never tested it in a open ground, but according to experience in the South of France it is resistant up to -8C(18F)
Best regards,
                       Ilya