x Citrofortunella 'Thomasville'

A Historic Citrus Hybrid with Southern Roots and Cold-Hardy Resilience

The Thomasville Citrangequat is more than a citrus tree—it’s a living piece of horticultural history. First fruited in Thomasville, Georgia, this remarkable hybrid was developed in 1909 by legendary citrus breeder W.T. Swingle of the USDA and officially named in 1923

It represents a pioneering achievement in citrus breeding: a three-way hybrid combining the cold-hardy Willits citrange (a cross of sweet orange and trifoliate orange) with the Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita).

This trifoliate-rooted tree grows upright and vigorous, with thorny branches and distinctive trifoliate leaves. It produces abundant, egg-shaped fruit—yellow to orange in color—that ripens from January to April. The fruit is tart and tangy when young, mellowing into a pleasantly acidic, kumquat-like flavor when fully mature. Though somewhat seedy, the fruit is prized for its unique taste and is often used in preserves, marmalades, and citrus-forward cocktails.

What truly sets the Thomasville apart is its exceptional cold hardiness. Tolerant down to 10°F, it is one of the most cold-tolerant edible citrus varieties available, making it ideal for gardeners in USDA Zones 8–10. Whether planted in the ground or grown in a container, this tree brings both historic charm and practical resilience to the landscape.

Photos courtesy of UGA Botanic Gardens & Tom McClendon of McClendon Citrus

🌿 Highlights

• Historic Origin: Developed by W.T. Swingle in 1909; first fruited in Thomasville, Georgia; named in 1923
• Hybrid Lineage: Willits citrange × Fortunella margarita (Nagami kumquat)
• USDA Zones: 8–10
• Cold Hardy: Tolerates temperatures as low as 10°F
• Mature Size: 8–12 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide
• Fruit: Egg-shaped, yellow-orange, tart when young, mellow when ripe; ripens January–April
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Growth Habit: Upright, vigorous, thorny; trifoliate leaves
• Uses: Fresh eating (when fully ripe), marmalades, preserves, cocktails
• Container Friendly: Suitable for pots with winter protection in colder zones