Squeeze The Day

A pinch of sour and a dash of sweet,calamondin is a versatile and easy-to-grow member of the citrus family. 

Calamondin, also known as calamansi or Philippine lime, is a citrus hybrid boasting small, highly acidic, and vibrant yellow-orange fruits. Its intense flavour makes it a popular ingredient in marmalades, chutneys, sauces, and desserts. Not only does it provide a flavourful treat, but the tree itself is also a decorative addition to any garden with its lush green leaves and fragrant whiteflowers.

Calamondin fruit has a similar appearance to cumquats, which is understandable as one of the parents of the calamondin hybrid is the cumquat. Whether you’re a marmalade connoisseur or enjoy eating calamondin fruit whole, peel and all, here’s how to grow your own calamondin at home.

Choose a site

Calamondins need a sun-drenched position that receives six hours of sunshine a day. They prefer a warm climate but in cooler areas can be grown in a sunny, frost-protected spot. Soil needs to be well-drained but if drainage is poor, grow in a 40–50cm diameter pot filled with quality potting mix. Acalamondin covered in brightly coloured fruit is a real statement, so position the tree where you’ll be able to appreciate its fruit display.

 

Planting

Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball and mix an organic soil improver into the soil dug from the hole. Position the tree in the centre of the hole, backfill around the roots with the enriched soil and water in well. When growing calamondins in pots, choose a grafted dwarf variety, which grow 1-2 m tall, and use a quality potting mix.

 

Watering

Citrus trees, including calamondins, have a shallow root system, which makes them prone to drying out. Water trees thoroughly and deeply 1-2 times a week (potted trees may require more frequent watering), and to help keep the root zone moist, apply a layer of organic mulch around the trees. Keep the mulch away from the trunk itself, to improve airflow and help minimise diseases.

Feeding

Citrus need lots of nutrients to promote healthy green leaf growth and lots of fruit. Feed calamondins regularly with a specialised citrus food like Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit Liquid Plant Food.

 

Protection

Monitor calamondin trees for pests like aphids, citrus leaf miner and bronze orange bug. Control or prevent these pests with Yates Nature’s Way Citrus & Ornamental Spray, which is approved for use in organic gardening.

 

Harvest

Calamondins start their peak harvest in winter. Fruit can be used when half-ripe, very sour and the skin is yellow-green (great for using as a lemonjuice substitute). Alternatively, delay picking until the fruit has smooth yellow-orange skin and the flavour is slightly more subtle. Fruit ripens over a long time and can be left on the tree for many months, which adds to the tree’s ornamental appeal. Fruit don’t store well, so only pick what you need, and it’s best to cut fruit from the tree with secateurs to avoid damaging the thin skin.