Citrangequat
Thomasville Citrangequat
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
The Thomasville citrangequat is more than a fruit tree, a living piece of Southern horticultural history. First fruited in Thomasville, Georgia, this remarkable hybrid was raised in 1909 by the legendary USDA citrus breeder Walter T. Swingle and formally named in 1923. The tree stands as a pioneering achievement in citrus breeding: a three-way cross combining the cold-hardy Willits citrange, itself a cross of sweet orange and trifoliate orange, with the Nagami kumquat, Fortunella margarita.
Grown on its own trifoliate roots, the Thomasville grows upright and vigorous, with thorny branches and distinctive three-part trifoliate leaves. Fragrant white blossoms in spring give way to abundant, egg-shaped fruit, yellow to orange, that ripens from January into April. The fruit is tart and tangy picked young, mellowing to a pleasantly acidic, kumquat-like flavor when fully ripe, and though somewhat seedy, is prized for a distinctive taste that shines in preserves, marmalades, and citrus-forward cocktails.
What truly sets the Thomasville apart is exceptional cold hardiness. Tolerant down to about ten degrees Fahrenheit, this is one of the most cold-tolerant edible citrus a gardener can grow, well suited to USDA zones 8 to 10. Planted in the ground where winters are mild, or grown in a container and carried to shelter farther north, the tree brings both historic charm and real, practical resilience to the edible landscape.
Give the Thomasville full sun to part shade and a well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and site the tree where the fragrant spring bloom and long winter fruit can be enjoyed, and where the thorny branches sit back from a busy path. Self-reliant and productive, a piece of Deep South citrus history that still earns a place in the garden a century on.
Photos courtesy of UGA Botanic Gardens and Tom McClendon of McClendon Citrus.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 8–12 Feet · Spread 6–10 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
White, fragrant citrus blossoms, spring
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.