Calamondin
Citrus × microcarpa
Also known asCalamansi · Philippine lime · Kalamondin · Golden lime · China orange · Acid orange
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–11 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- year-round tropical
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of nitrogen, potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
One of the best citrus varieties for indoor hydroponic or container growing due to compact size and nearly continuous fruiting. Large container (20 L) with well-drained media (perlite, expanded clay, or a perlite-coir mix). EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 18–32°C (tropical origin; protect from frost, but tolerates brief dips to 0°C better than most citrus). High light (DLI 18-30 mol/m2/day; citrus needs strong light for good fruiting, and supplemental grow lights help in northern climates). Self-pollinating, so no second tree is needed, though gently shaking branches or using a soft paintbrush to transfer pollen improves fruit set indoors where there are no pollinators. Fruiting begins 1-2 years from grafted nursery stock. Each tree produces dozens to hundreds of small fruits annually once established. Harvest when fruits turn fully orange for the sweetest flavor. The juice is the primary culinary product; the fruit is too sour for most people to eat fresh. Citrus-specific micronutrient supplementation (iron chelate, manganese, zinc) prevents the interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) common in container citrus. Scale insects and spider mites are the main indoor pests; treat with horticultural oil spray. For cooks who regularly prepare Filipino, Thai, or Vietnamese food, a calamondin tree in a greenhouse provides year-round access to an ingredient that's expensive and hard to find at retail outside Asian markets.