I have considered trying the following varieties of cold hardy citrus. Juanita Tangerine, Ichang Lemon, bloomsweet grapefruit and dunston citrumelo, ClemYuz 2-2. I already have Changsha mandarin and thomasville citrangequat. My questions are, how well would these plants do planted in ground(I have not had any days under 10 in my 5 years here). How would you rate the quality of their fruit(in terms of eating it off the tree and use for juice in terms of a lemon substitute). I have read that all of these varieties give good quality fruit, anyone have an opinion opposite of that? My first freeze of the year around here is usually first week of December, any of these plants ripen after that time?

I don't know enough about the climate in your area, however Eyeckr (a member of this forum) lives in VA, and has a long history of growing in ground citrus. He would be an excellent person to ask. In my opinion, of the fruit you list Juanita Tangerine (a great tree), and bloomsweet grapefruit would be the only fruit I would eat. - Millet (1,159-)

actually, I do chat with eyeckr often. I really value his opinion, however, I am just to garner some other opinions because I do have limited space, and I would like maybe have 5-6 trees and just concentrate on them.

I agree with Millet.

Ned

just one more question. Ichang/Taichang lemon. Obviously I wouldn't eat a store bought lemon out of hand, but would obviously use it for tea, zest, seafood, other typical lemon uses. Does either the Ichang/Taichang measure up for these purposes, or does it have too much of a funky taste. Thanks.

The Ichang Lemon is a cross of an Ichang Papeda and a Pummelo (Citrus ichangensis X Citrus maxima). The Ichang Papeda is a bitter poor quality fruit, and the Pummelo is a good quality fruit. This cross results in the Ichang Lemon which produces just a fair quality fruit with some off-flavors. The Ichang Lemon would not compare favorably with a actual Lemon, but certainly could be well used in cooking, or to add some flavor to various dishes such as fish. (information taken from "Hardy citrus For The Southeast") - Millet (1,157-)

are you interested in covering them or just leave them free standing

Frank

I am interested in light protection, mulch roots and frost cloth on coldest nights. Also plan on planting them on southside of house, right up againist house for extra warmth.

well of course if u are going to cover it isnt any more workto use heavier plastic or cloth

Frank

Well, that was my plan. I really don't want to do too much work, but it will be my first year with citrus in ground. How do you protect your plants and how long do you leave the protection up?

HI Andrew,
I grow all of the citrus you mention. I would highly recommend the juanita and bloomsweet. I'm not sure how much cold bloomsweet can take though. Mine has been tested to 18* with no damage, but I have heard other reports of it being killed in the lower teens. I think taichang is a winner. It has a good lemon taste and should be very hardy.

so I grow most of what u mention and lemons and satusmas...

Mine are covered in plastic and bankets from early oct to early april at least at night

in the winter they dont see the sun for 2 months

I think if you plant 4 plants with the room for a 55 gallon bucket of water in the middle and u cover it u can grow anything

Frank