I'm looking for crossbreeds that will grow well and fruit in Pensacola, Fl 8b/9a. My soil is a sand base. I have listed some of the ones that I believe show promise. I would like your comments and corrections on the list. The notes I have gathered are from all over the web. Mostly from Southern university papers but some from hobbists expierences and some from sales brochures which is a flip of a coin on their reliability. So if you see something that doesn't look right let me know. If you like another variety tell me why. If you know other attributes or especially problems about a variety I listed tell me about them. All comments are welcome and appreciated even if you think I'm nuts. I am only interested in the Crossbreeds here as I will post other types in separate post to try and keep it on topic.

Yeah I know I copied and pasted but I can't type and my hand is getting tired. Anyway I appreciate the help and advice.

Thanks and this is the last one tonight I promise.

Crossbreeds - you know those that have weird names

Orangequat - Nippon
Cold hardy to 10 degrees
Developed by Dr. Eugene May
Limequat - Eustis
Cold hardy to 20 degrees
Lime substitute
Fruits all year
Self fruitful
Tangelo - Orlando
Cold hardy
Needs pollinator
Large tree requires more fertilizer
Bears fruit in 3-4 years from seed
Fruit matures November through January
Citrangequat – Thomasville
Cold hardy to 5 degrees
15’ tree
Very prolific
Unripe fruit taste like Lime
Fruit matures late fall

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the Nippon (satsuma X kumquat), since you are in an area that grows Satsumas easily.

I really like limequats. I prefer Lakeland to Eustis (both have the same parentage) simply because the fruit is a little big larger and 1-2 fewer seeds on average. But that difference really is not a big deal.

Orlando Tangelos are ok. I much prefer Minneola, but they are late-maturing.

I wouldn't bother with a Citrangequat, either, since you are in an area that can grow other more tasty citrus. If you are looking for something for an acid hardy juice, I would do a Calamondin.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the Nippon (satsuma X kumquat), since you are in an area that grows Satsumas easily.

Good idea. Scratch the Nippon

I really like limequats. I prefer Lakeland to Eustis (both have the same parentage) simply because the fruit is a little big larger and 1-2 fewer seeds on average. But that difference really is not a big deal.

I'm not sure what I'm wanting but the sweeter lime taste of Eustis is appealing if I get that.

Orlando Tangelos are ok. I much prefer Minneola, but they are late-maturing.

I don't even know if I want a Tangelo. I think I get carried away sometimes. My preference is to sweet easy to peel fruit but there is a farmers maket around the corner and the variety may give me some bartering edge.

I wouldn't bother with a Citrangequat, either, since you are in an area that can grow other more tasty citrus. If you are looking for something for an acid hardy juice, I would do a Calamondin.

Probably wouldn't really care for the acid. The only burn I like is with good bourbon. LOL

The input is beneficial to me and puts my head back on my shoulders where it needs to stay. Having other people describe the various fruits is invaluable.

Thanks,

Hr. Texas thanks for the reply. Your comments and everyone elses is truely appreciated. I especially enjoy hearing from the Southern growers. Everyone has done a good job of helping me cut this lists down as I have too many varieties selected for the space I have.

Orangequat - Nippon
I have indio mandarinquat, an orangequat, the fruit is pretty but not very edible, way sour

Looks like the Orangequat isn't going to make it.

Limequat
The ones I've tasted were inferior to key limes and smaller. I have both eustis and lakeland and will be budding nordman seedless nagami in the fall on my two plants.

If I can get a cold hardy Lime to grow here I will not need the Limequats as I primarily want them for the lime taste.

Tangelo - Orlando
This is a really good fruit. Minneola fruit will freeze most of the time before it is ready in Pensacola, January-February. I grow both but I have 25+ trees in the ground and won't miss the Minneola or Valencia fruit when it freezes.

Due to my climate it looks like the Orlando is the winner provided it will fit in the final layout. I will of course give prefence to the ones that WILL grow here and taste great. So we will see soon.

Citrangequat – Thomasville
This is completely inedible IMHO. If you can grow satsumas you certainly would want to waste space on this terrible tasting fruit.

These guys really need some PR work. I think I can eliminate them completely for now.

The way it looks now, the only crossbreed that will get a good looking over is the Orlando Tangelo.

Thanks everyone,

For limes, your best bet is Key Lime in a container--but they need protection if temps are going below 40.

The Thom Citraquat doesnt taste all that bad, it is no satsuma....................

I have earmarked Mr. Texas for a box of Thomasvilles at Christmas.

Of course, I have to get a crop first.

And were I in Pensacola, I would set my sights a bit higher.

well sure

btw my thomassvill is flowering again and setting tons of fruit.........it is 3.5 feet high

wish all my citrus did this well

About a couple months ago my Thomasville Citrangequat made an excellent addition to the compost pile. Not worth having. - Millet (893-)

yikes, why is that

Mine is growing like crazy.

I thought nippon orangequart was sweet? I always wanted to plant one to taste the fruit. They are not very many for sale at local nurseys and hard to find. I cannot import citrus trees here, must buy locally.