Name: Yuzu Citrus Tree – Cold-Hardy Japanese Citrus
SKU: Yuzu Ichandrin
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (3 reviews)

Description

Yuzu is a classic Japanese citrus valued not for fresh eating, but for its extraordinary aroma and culinary versatility. Its intensely fragrant peel and juice are staples in Japanese cuisine, used to finish sauces, noodles, seafood, beverages, and preserved preparations.

The fruit is typically harvested yellow when fully aromatic.

Compared to lemon or lime, yuzu offers a more layered, floral fragrance and a bright acidity that elevates both savory and sweet dishes.

The tree itself is hardy, productive, and naturally compact, making yuzu a rewarding choice for growers seeking a resilient citrus with exceptional culinary value.

Overview

Traditional Japanese citrus prized for aroma and flavor.
Used primarily for zest and juice rather than fresh eating.
Exceptionally cold tolerant for a true citrus.
Compact growth habit well suited to containers.
Self-fertile.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Citrus junos
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: One of the most cold-tolerant true citrus; mature trees tolerate temperatures into the mid-teens under short-duration freezes
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity: •
Flying Dragon: Typically 6–8 ft tall and wide•
C-35: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wideNote: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Fall to early winter
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and drainage reduce issues

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Yuzu is grown for fragrance more than juice yield—small amounts of zest or juice go a long way in the kitchen.
Regional Insight: Performs especially well in mild-winter regions and in containers in cooler climates where its cold tolerance provides added margin.

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Yuzu Citrus

Sun: 3/4 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Soil pH: Performs best between 5.5–6.5
Water: Moderate; consistent during establishment
Tree Size: Compact to medium, manageable with pruning
Pollination: Self-fertile
Harvest: Fall to early winter
Hardiness: One of the most cold-tolerant true citrus

Planting & Care – Yuzu Citrus

Site Selection

Choose a bright, sunny location to encourage strong growth, fragrance, and fruit development.
Some protection from strong winter winds further improves cold performance.
Good air movement helps foliage dry quickly and supports long-term tree health.

Soil Preparation (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground: Yuzu adapts well to many soils as long as drainage is good. If soil drains slowly, planting on a slight mound or raised bed improves long-term performance.
In-ground: Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) supports nutrient availability and healthy leaf color.
Container: Use a fast-draining citrus mix in a pot with drainage holes. Containers offer added flexibility in cooler climates.
Container: Refreshing or top-dressing potting mix over time helps maintain root health.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, or choose a container just larger than the root mass.
Set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil or potting mix.
Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle the tree in place.
Apply a light mulch layer for in-ground plantings, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Watering (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground, establishment: Keep soil evenly moist while roots establish, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
In-ground, established: Deep, periodic watering encourages strong root development. Let soil dry several inches down between waterings.
Simple check: If soil feels dry 3–6″ below the surface, it’s time to water.
Container: Water thoroughly, then wait until the top couple inches of mix feel dry before watering again.
Goal: A steady wet-to-dry rhythm keeps roots active and resilient.

Fertilizing

Citrus are naturally heavy feeders, and Yuzu responds well to consistent, balanced nutrition.
Simple approach: Most growers do very well using a slow-release citrus fertilizer applied in early spring and again in early summer.
In-ground trees: Slow-release feeding provides a steady nutrient supply during active growth without pushing excessive soft growth.
Container trees: Because nutrients leach out more quickly, lighter but more frequent feeding works best.
Optional boost: During periods of strong growth, an occasional liquid citrus feed can help fine-tune color and vigor—especially for container-grown trees.
Ease off feeding later in the season to allow the tree to naturally harden before winter.
If leaves appear pale despite feeding, pH balance or micronutrients are often the solution rather than additional nitrogen.

Cold Care

Yuzu is one of the most cold-tolerant true citrus varieties.
Young trees benefit from light protection during their first few winters.
As trees mature, good drainage, sun exposure, and balanced feeding significantly improve cold resilience.
Container trees can be moved to a sheltered location during hard freezes for added peace of mind.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed; remove damaged or crossing branches as needed.
Light shaping after harvest helps maintain airflow and a balanced structure.

Harvest & Use

Harvest fruit when fully developed and highly aromatic.
Yuzu is prized for its fragrant zest and juice in sauces, beverages, and preserved preparations.

General Tips

Yuzu is forgiving and adaptable—focus on sun, drainage, and steady care.
Small, consistent adjustments lead to excellent long-term results.
Once established, Yuzu rewards growers with both beauty and exceptional culinary value.

Yuzu Ichandrin