'Lakeland' Limequat

Juicy, Hardy, and Bursting with Key Lime Flavor

The Lakeland Limequat is a citrus lover’s dream—combining the cold-hardiness of kumquat with the bold, tropical flavor of Key lime. Developed in Florida and named for the city of Lakeland, this hybrid (Citrus × floridana) is a cross between the Mexican (Key) lime and the Nagami kumquat, offering the best of both worlds: intense citrus flavor and a tree that thrives beyond traditional citrus zones.

According to Craig Hepworth of Florida Fruit Geek, “‘Lakeland’ limequats are extremely juicy, with an aroma and taste almost identical to pure Key lime, except not quite as powerful… about 70% as intense.” That makes them perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of Key lime but wants a more cold-tolerant, productive tree.

The fruit is small, oval, and golden-yellow when ripe, with edible, mildly sweet skin and tart, aromatic juice. Hepworth notes, “The juice is great wherever lime or lemon juice works: salad dressings, in drinks, marinades, on cooked veggies or fish, or added to water and sweetened to make a refreshing ‘limequat-ade’.” And for those who love bold flavors, the whole fruit—peel and all—can be eaten fresh or turned into a bright, citrusy marmalade.

The Lakeland Limequat tree is exceptionally productive, often bearing fruit over an extended season. One Florida grower reportedly harvests over a gallon of fruit per week from each tree for months on end. Compact and container-friendly, it’s ideal for patios, small gardens, or in-ground planting in USDA Zones 8–11.

Photo courtesy of Florida Friut Geek

🌿 Highlights

• Hybrid Origin: Cross between Mexican (Key) lime and Nagami kumquat
• Flavor Profile: Tart, juicy, and aromatic—like a milder Key lime with edible peel
• Fruit Use: Juice for drinks, dressings, marinades; peel for marmalades; whole fruit for snacking
• Cold Hardy: Tolerates temperatures down to 20°F
• USDA Zones: 8–11
• Mature Size: 6–10 ft tall, 4–8 ft wide
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy; ideal for containers or small spaces
• Harvest Season: Extended—often from fall through early spring
• Productivity: Exceptionally high yield over many months