Bergamot Orange

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Citrus bergamia – Bergamot Orange

Due to import restrictions, citrus cannot be shipped to CA, LA, TX, FL, AZ, PR, HI.

Bergamot Orange is a highly fragrant citrus, best known for its essential oils used in Earl Grey tea, perfumes, cosmetics, and culinary applications. Native to southern Italy, it is believed to be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. The fruit is typically yellow to green in color and resembles a small lime, with a highly aromatic rind rather than a focus on fresh eating.

This small evergreen tree blooms in winter with highly fragrant flowers and produces fruit valued primarily for its peel and oil content. While ornamental and productive, it is not winter hardy in most U.S. climates and is best grown in containers that can be protected or moved indoors during cold weather.

Bergamot performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and consistent warmth. In non-tropical climates, pot culture is strongly recommended to ensure survival through winter.

Ripening Time: Winter
Spacing: 10–12 feet (container-grown typically smaller)
USDA Zones: 9–11 (not cold hardy; container recommended outside range)
Pollination: Self-Fertile

Plant Characteristics

• Pest Resistance: Good
• Disease Resistance: Good
• Drought Tolerance: Good
• Heat Tolerance: Excellent
• Humidity Tolerance: Good
• Sun Tolerance: Excellent
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Poor
• Shade Tolerance: Poor
• No-Spray Potential: Good
• Salt Tolerance: Fair
• Fresh for Kids: Poor
• Deer Resistance: Fair
• Thorns: Few
• Plant Type: Evergreen Tree
• Soil Type: Well-Drained
• Edible Type: Fruit (primarily aromatic peel/oil)
• Self Fertile: Yes

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and observations are always welcome.