A Rootstock for the Hardy, the Hopeful, and the Home Grower

In the old groves of the South, a citrus tree had to be more than fruitful—it had to be fearless. Citrus US-1516 carries that spirit. Bred by the USDA, this exceptional tree isn’t just a workhorse for large growers—it’s a strong, disease-tolerant citrus tree you can grow in your own backyard.

Whether you’re looking to test out grafting, grow your own rootstock, or simply raise a vigorous and unusually hardy citrus tree, US‑1516 is a fine companion. She grows with vigor, forms a robust canopy, and stands tall where others may falter—especially in cooler climates or areas where citrus diseases run rampant.

Even without a grafted variety on top, she’s worth growing to appreciate the structure, the strength, and the future possibilities she holds.

In every good Southern garden, there ought to be at least one tree that teaches resilience. This is that tree. Citrus US‑1516 is as much promise as it is plant. She’ll take root where others fail, and give you a foundation—whether for fruit, or for hope.

Perfect For:

• Grafting practice: A reliable base for experimenting with citrus grafting at home
• Testing new scions: Ideal for budding with favorite oranges, lemons, or mandarins
• Cold-hardy citrus lovers: One of the most resilient citrus trees you can grow
• Gardeners in HLB-prone or cooler zones: Stays healthy where other citrus struggles
• Curious growers: A conversation piece with a strong backstory and promise

Highlights:

• 🏡 Home-grower friendly – Ideal for backyard orchards, containers, or test beds
• ✂️ Great for grafting – Build your own citrus tree by adding your favorite fruiting variety
• 🌬️ Cold-tolerant and disease-resistant – Handles stress better than most other rootstocks
• 💪 Strong & sturdy growth – Forms a healthy, full canopy with good structure
• 🌱 Easy to propagate – Grows well from seed with good uniformity

If you’re dreaming of growing citrus from the ground up—or simply want a tree that can take whatever life throws at it—US‑1516 is a strong start. Grow it plain, graft it bold, or plant it as a testament to what Southern citrus can be.

US‑942 Citrus Rootstock – Resilient Roots, Exceptional Fruit

Born from the careful cross of Sunki mandarin and Flying Dragon trifoliate orange, US‑942 is a modern rootstock that balances the grit of traditional citrus with the brilliance of scientific breeding. Released by the USDA in 2010 after extensive field trials across Florida, US‑942 quickly proved itself a top performer—resisting Phytophthora, tristeza virus, and even tolerating HLB better than most.

This rootstock brings more than hardiness. It’s known for producing compact, efficient trees with outstanding yield per canopy volume. In Polk County, trees on US‑942 out-yielded every other rootstock tested, producing fruit not only in abundance but of exceptional internal quality. Even in challenging growing conditions, the fruit maintains some of the highest total soluble solids (TSS) levels recorded—sweet, rich, and deeply satisfying.

And as Herschel from Madison Citrus puts it, “This is some of my absolute favorite trifoliate fruit. Hands down.” That’s not just high praise—it’s proof in the peel.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a hopeful orchardist, US‑942 offers reliability, productivity, and taste in one deeply rooted package.

Highlights:

• 🛡️ Disease Tolerance: Strong resistance to citrus tristeza virus, Phytophthora, and citrus blight; HLB-tolerant

• 🌿 Efficient Growth: Smaller trees with high yield efficiency and fruit quality

• 🍊 Outstanding Flavor: High TSS levels—Herschel from Madison Citrus ranks it among his top picks

• 🌱 Ideal for Grafting: Compatible with a wide range of scions including Valencia, Hamlin, and mandarins

• 🔬 USDA-Bred Reliability: Over a decade of USDA research and trials back its performance