Growing citrus trees in your backyard is one of the simplest ways to enjoy fresh, sweet fruit right at home. Plus, they bring a pop of color and life to your outdoor space. No matter if you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s a citrus tree that’s perfect for your backyard.
In this guide, I’ll share 18 of the best varieties that will reward you with juicy, delicious fruit while adding some extra charm to your garden.
Whether you’re looking for a tree that thrives in a small space or one that’s ready to produce bountiful fruit, you’ll find the perfect fit here. Let’s get started!
1. Meyer Lemon
Starting with a favorite, the Meyer Lemon offers a sweeter, less tart flavor than traditional lemons. Its compact size makes it ideal for containers, perfect for those with limited space.
This tree thrives in sunny spots, and with proper care, it can begin bearing fruit in as little as two years. Meyer Lemons are excellent for lemonade, baking, and as a zesty addition to dishes.
With their glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms, they add beauty to any garden. Make sure to keep the soil well-drained and water regularly for the best results.
2. Valencia Orange
For those who love fresh-squeezed orange juice, the Valencia Orange is a top choice. Known for its sweet, juicy fruit, it ripens in summer, extending the citrus season.
This tree prefers a warm climate and full sun to produce its best fruit. Valencia Oranges are perfect for juicing and enjoying fresh.
They can grow quite large, so they need plenty of space to thrive. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy growth. Consider this tree if you have a generous area to dedicate in your backyard.
3. Key Lime
If you appreciate the tangy taste of limes, the Key Lime tree is a delightful addition. This small, bushy tree fits well in pots or small gardens.
Key Limes are cherished for their intense flavor, making them ideal for pies, cocktails, and marinades. They thrive in warm climates and need plenty of sun.
Regular watering is essential, especially in dry spells, to keep them healthy and productive. Their small, fragrant blossoms attract pollinators, adding life to your garden.
4. Satsuma Mandarin
These are beloved for their sweet, easy-to-peel fruit. These trees are cold-tolerant, making them suitable for cooler climates.
They don’t need much space, which is great for small backyards. Satsumas ripen early in the season, offering a refreshing treat as the weather cools. These mandarins are perfect for snacking and adding to salads.
Their low maintenance and resilience make them a hassle-free choice. Ensure they get plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to flourish.
5. Calamondin
This is a unique citrus with small, tart fruits resembling tiny oranges. Perfect for ornamental purposes, this tree thrives in pots, adding a splash of color to patios and balconies.
The fruit is commonly used in marmalades and as a tart flavoring in recipes. So, you can’t go wrong with this one! They enjoy full sunlight and require regular watering.
Calamondins are known for their year-round fruit production, making them a constant source of citrus delight. Their petite size and ornamental value make them a charming addition to any home.
6. Blood Orange
These are famed for their deep red flesh and unique flavor, a blend of orange and raspberry notes. They prefer a warm climate and ample sunlight.
These trees can grow to a moderate size, suitable for medium to large backyards. Blood Oranges are excellent for fresh eating, juices, and cocktails. Their striking appearance adds visual interest to any landscape.
Regular watering and well-drained soil are key to their success. Consider planting them in a spot where their beauty can be admired.
7. Kumquat
These are a delightful citrus variety where you eat the whole fruit, skin and all. They are small trees, perfect for containers or small spaces.
These fruits have a sweet peel and tart flesh, offering a unique taste experience. Kumquats thrive in sunny locations and are relatively cold-hardy. They make excellent additions to marmalades and desserts.
The tree’s petite size and prolific fruiting make it a popular choice for citrus enthusiasts. Regular watering and occasional feeding keep them productive.
8. Pink Lemon
Pink Lemons bring a fun twist to traditional lemons with their pink flesh and variegated foliage. These trees are medium-sized and do well in sunny spots.
The fruit is not only visually appealing but also adds a unique flavor to drinks and dishes. Pink Lemons are great for juicing and as garnishes. They require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
The tree’s striking appearance makes it a standout in any garden, drawing attention and admiration from visitors.
9. Buddha’s Hand
This is one of the most unusual citrus trees, featuring fruit that resembles a hand with outstretched fingers.
This tree is mainly grown for ornamental purposes and its fragrant peel, which is used in perfumes and zesting. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While it doesn’t produce edible juice, its zest adds a unique flavor to dishes and drinks.
Buddha’s Hand is a conversation starter, making it a fascinating addition to any citrus collection. Regular care ensures healthy growth and vibrant fruit production.
10. Sweet Lemon
These offer a milder, less acidic taste compared to traditional lemons, making them a pleasant choice for fresh eating. These trees prefer sunny, warm climates and can adapt to various soil types.
Sweet Lemons are perfect for juicing, cooking, and fresh consumption. Their gentle flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes.
The tree is moderately sized, ideal for medium to large backyards. Ensure they receive regular watering and occasional fertilization to keep them healthy and fruitful.
11. Limequat
Limequats are a hybrid of lime and kumquat, offering a unique citrus experience. These trees are compact, making them suitable for pots or small garden spaces.
The fruit combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of kumquat peel. Limequats are great for cocktails, marinades, and desserts. They thrive in sunny locations and require regular watering.
Their small size and prolific fruiting make them an excellent choice for urban gardeners. With proper care, they provide a refreshing twist on traditional citrus flavors.
12. Mandarinquat
Mandarinquats are a delightful cross between mandarins and kumquats, known for their tangy-sweet flavor. These small trees are perfect for container gardening and fit well in limited spaces.
The fruit is small, with a sweet peel and tart flesh, ideal for eating fresh or adding to salads. Mandarinquats require full sunlight and regular watering to thrive.
Their unique flavor and ornamental value make them a favorite among citrus enthusiasts. With proper care, they produce abundant fruit and bring a touch of the exotic to your garden.
13. Ponderosa Lemon
These lemons are known for their enormous fruit, much larger than typical lemons. This tree is a conversation piece, offering unique visual appeal. It thrives in warm climates and sunny locations.
Ponderosa Lemons have a thick peel and are great for zesting and cooking. The tree is medium-sized, ideal for those with ample backyard space.
Regular watering and well-drained soil conditions are essential for healthy growth. If you’re looking to grow something out of the ordinary, this lemon tree makes a bold statement.
14. Bergamot Orange
These oranges are prized for their aromatic rind, commonly used in perfumes and Earl Grey tea. These trees prefer warm climates and full sun exposure.
The fruit itself is sour, not typically eaten raw, but its zest adds a unique flavor to culinary creations. Bergamot trees are medium to large, suitable for spacious gardens.
They require regular watering and well-drained soil to thrive. Their fragrant blossoms and fruit make them a sensory delight, adding both beauty and aroma to your backyard.
15. Yuzu
A unique citrus fruit, highly valued in Japanese cuisine for its aromatic zest and juice. These trees are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, making them suitable for diverse climates.
Yuzu fruits are small, with a bumpy skin, and are rarely eaten raw due to their tartness. Instead, they’re used in sauces, vinegars, and drinks. Yuzu trees require full sun and regular watering.
Their resilience and culinary versatility make them a must-have for adventurous gardeners and cooks alike.
16. Etrog
This is a citron variety traditionally used in Jewish rituals during the festival of Sukkot. This tree produces large, aromatic fruits with a thick rind. Etrog thrives in sunny, warm environments and well-drained soil.
The fruit is not commonly eaten fresh due to its thick peel and minimal pulp, but it’s used in preserves and for its fragrant zest.
The tree’s cultural significance and unique appearance make it a meaningful addition to specific gardens. Regular care ensures a bountiful and aromatic harvest.
17. Finger Lime
These are a fascinating citrus variety, often referred to as “lime caviar” for their small, bead-like juice vesicles. These trees are native to Australia and thrive in warm, sunny climates.
The fruit’s unique texture and tangy flavor make it a gourmet ingredient in culinary dishes. Finger Lime trees are small and bushy, fitting well in containers or as part of a landscape.
Regular watering and well-drained soil are vital for success. Their exotic nature and culinary appeal make them a trendy choice for adventurous gardeners.
18. Orangequat
Orangequats are a hybrid of oranges and kumquats, offering a sweet-tart flavor. These small trees are great for limited spaces and container gardening. The fruit can be eaten whole or used in marmalades and desserts.
Orangequats thrive in sunny areas and need regular watering to produce well. Their compact size and prolific fruiting make them a practical choice for urban gardens.
With diligent care, they provide a delightful harvest and a splash of color to any backyard. Consider them if you’re looking for something both tasty and ornamental.