Calamansi Citrus × microcarpa
Calamansi (Citrus × microcarpa) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Philippines and Borneo (kumquat × mandarin hybrid). It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Calamansi in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Calamansi at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 9–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (sour; juice, dipping sauces) |
| Native to | Philippines and Borneo (kumquat × mandarin hybrid) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Calamansi toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: peel, leaves
Citrus oils can upset cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Calamansi
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Calamansi
- How far apart should I plant Calamansi?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Calamansi need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Calamansi need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Calamansi?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Calamansi flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 9–29 weeks.
- Is Calamansi poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Citrus oils can upset cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Calamansi?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Calamansi. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Citrus Variety Collection, University of California, Riverside
- Philippine Medicinal Plants, StuartXchange
Notes and assumptions
- The everyday souring fruit of the Philippines; fruits almost all year in the tropics and does well in pots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia