Citrus reticulata ‘Arctic Frost’

‘Arctic Frost’ is another Mandarin hybrid resulting from a cross between the seedy, but cold hardy Changsha tangerine and a very high quality Satsuma. The hybrids are the work of Dr. Ying Doon Moy, long time plant breeder at the San Antonio Botanic Garden before his death in November, 2012. The fruit is sweet and tart, easy to peel and only has one or two seeds per fruit. ‘Arctic Frost’ is the most cold hardy of the Moy hybrids tested to date.

Exposure: Full sun; minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sun per day

Size: Eight to twelve feet high and wide in the ground; four to six feet in containers

Plant type: Evergreen citrus tree

Planting time: Early spring after the danger of frost has passed

Suggested uses: Accent plant for backyard and potential patio containers

Special notes: This Texas Superstar® should expand the planting zone for citrus in the ground moving as far north as zone 8; some cold protection will be required in the establishment phase of a year or two, and a site protected from the north wind is desired; the tree will also work well in containers; adequate fertility and a well–drained potting soil are a must in containers; amend the mix with slow release fertilizer and water once a month with a water soluble fertilizer

Additional information: Arctic Frost Satsuma Mandarin Hybrid Named New Texas Superstar®