Which Citrus Rootstock to Choose for the South of France?

Choosing the right rootstock is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your citrus growing in the South of France. While the region's climatic conditions are generally favorable for citrus fruits, they also present certain challenges, such as sometimes low winter temperatures, strong winds, and diverse soil types. To ensure healthy growth and optimal production, it is essential to choose the right rootstock for these specific conditions.

Comparative table of Citrus Rootstocks:

Rootstock	Cold Resistance	Resistance to high salt soil	Resistance to limestone soils	Resistance to clay soils	Flood Resistance	Drought Resistance	Tristeza virus resistance	Phytophtora resistance	Root Nematode Resistance	Graft growth	Adult size of the graft at maturity	Entry into production of the citrus variety grafted onto the rootstock	Graft productivity at adult size	Quality of citrus fruits once the tree is fully grown	Fruit Size	Date of fruit harvest once the tree is fully grown	Compatibility by citrus variety
Citrange C35	Very resistant	Tolerant	Sensitive	Sensitive	Tolerant	Very resistant	Resistant	Very resistant	Resistant	Normal	Normal	Normal	Raised	Good	Normal	Normal	Orange trees: Very well adapted, improves the taste quality of the fruit and promotes good juice content. Clementines: Ideal candidate for these varieties, with very good quality results in terms of taste and juice. Mandarin trees: Although not specifically mentioned, their genetic proximity to clementine trees suggests that they will perform well on C35. Grapefruits: They can be successfully grafted onto this rootstock, with good results. Some lemon trees: A few specific lemon tree varieties are compatible with this rootstock, although not all are.
Carrizo	Very resistant	Sensitive	Tolerant	Resistant	Resistant	Sensitive	Resistant	Very resistant	Sensitive	Normal	Normal	Normal	Raised	Good	Superior	Early	Orange trees: Carrizo is ideal for orange trees, ensuring rapid fruit set and very high productivity. Mandarin trees: Although less mentioned than orange trees, mandarin trees adapt well to this rootstock. Pomelos: Carrizo is also a good choice for pomelos. Some Lemon Trees: Although Carrizo is primarily recommended for orange trees, some lemon tree varieties can be successfully grafted.
Citrumelo 4475	Very resistant	Resistant	Sensitive	Sensitive	Extremely resistant	Very resistant	Resistant	Extremely resistant	Resistant	Normal	Normal	Normal	Raised	Very good	Normal	Late	Grapefruits: Citrumelo 4475 is particularly well suited to grapefruits, with very high productivity. Orange trees: This rootstock also ensures excellent productivity for orange trees. Lemon trees: Citrumelo 4475 is also very suitable for lemon trees. Citrus in general: It is described as a versatile rootstock, suitable for various citrus varieties.
FA5	Very resistant	Very resistant	Resistant	Tolerant	Very resistant	Resistant	Very resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Normal	Reduced 25-50%	Normal	Very high	Very good	Superior	Early	Orange trees: The FA5 is well suited to growing orange trees. Clementine and mandarin trees: These varieties show good results on FA5. Lemon trees: FA5 is also compatible with certain varieties of lemon trees. Grapefruits: Although less frequently mentioned, grapefruits should also do well on this rootstock. Lemon trees: Compatible with certain varieties. Pomelos: Well adapted, despite being mentioned less frequently.
Poncirus	Extremely resistant	Sensitive	Sensitive	Resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Slow	Normal	Very slow	Average	Poor to Good	Normal	Normal	Orange trees: Suitable for most varieties, such as Navel, Valencia, Sanguine. Mandarin and clementine trees: Excellent compatibility, improves productivity and fruit quality. Grapefruit and pomelos: Benefit from the vigor and cold resistance provided by Poncirus. Kumquats: Ideal for kumquats, giving them better hardiness. Yuzu: Very good combination for maximum resistance to cold.
Volkameriana	Tolerant	Resistant	Very resistant	Tolerant	Resistant	Resistant	Resistant	Sensitive	Sensitive	Normal	Normal	Fast	Very high	Average	Very superior	Very early	Lemon trees: Particularly recommended for Eureka and Meyer varieties. Lime Trees: While not the first choice for some varieties like Tahiti, it remains a viable option for lime trees in general. Citron trees: Often successfully grafted onto Volkameriana, although less specifically mentioned
Macrophylla	Sensitive	Resistant	Extremely resistant	Tolerant	Tolerant	Resistant	Sensitive	Extremely resistant	Sensitive	Normal	Normal	Fast	Very high	Average	Normal	Early	Lemon trees: Ideal for varieties like Eureka, Macrophylla is particularly well-suited to lemon trees. Lime Trees: Although less mentioned, lime trees should do well on this rootstock. Some orange and mandarin trees: They can be grafted onto Macrophylla, although this is not its primary use.

Suitable Rootstocks and Their Specificities

Citrange C35

Citrange C35 is one of the most versatile rootstocks for citrus growing. It is often recommended for varieties such as oranges, clementines, lemons, and grapefruits. This rootstock is distinguished by its good lime tolerance and its ability to withstand cold temperatures down to around -12°C. In addition, it gives the fruit excellent taste, making it a preferred choice for citrus growers in areas with a temperate climate but harsh winters.

Citrumelo Swingle CPB4475

Citrumelo Swingle is particularly well-adapted to the colder regions of southern France. It can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C, and in some cases even -15°C. This rootstock offers high resistance to diseases, particularly Tristeza and Phytophthora, which are major threats to citrus orchards. It is also suitable for clay-limestone soils, allowing for rapid and vigorous root growth.

Poncirus trifoliata

For orchards located in very cold areas, Poncirus trifoliata is often recommended. This rootstock is resistant to extreme temperatures down to -20°C, making it the hardiest of the available options. However, it is sensitive to limestone and chlorides in the soil, which limits its use in some areas of southern France, where soils can be rich in these elements.

FA5 (Forner Alcaide 5)

A Spanish rootstock, FA5 is a good choice for difficult soils, especially calcareous soils. This rootstock can tolerate temperatures down to -14°C, is drought-resistant, and has good resistance to diseases such as Tristeza. Its adaptability to harsher conditions makes it a valuable asset for citrus growers looking to establish orchards in areas with unfavorable characteristics.

Volkameriana (Citrus volkameriana)

Volkameriana is ideal for lemon trees, as it gives them exceptional productivity. It is particularly suited to dry, chalky soils, conditions common in the south of France. However, it is important to note that it is more sensitive to excess water, making its management more delicate in areas prone to flooding or heavy rainfall.

Carrizo

Carrizo is a rootstock known for its rapid fruit set and high productivity. It is particularly recommended for orange, mandarin, and grapefruit trees. Although it is less tolerant to limestone than Citrange C35, it remains an excellent choice for regions where soils are not excessively calcareous. However, it is sensitive to drought, requiring special attention to irrigation.

Key Factors to Consider

• Cold Hardiness: Identify the minimum winter temperature in your region to choose a rootstock that will survive frosts.
• Soil Type: Analyze the texture (silty, clayey, sandy), pH and drainage of your soil.
• Disease Resistance: Learn about diseases in your area to choose a resistant rootstock.
• Citrus Variety: Make sure the rootstock is compatible with the citrus variety you wish to grow.
• Production Objectives: Define your priorities (fast fruit set, high yield, taste quality).

General Recommendation

Considering all these factors, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialized nursery or citrus growing expert in your area. Agrumiverse, as a citrus plant supplier and citrus growing specialist, can offer you personalized technical advice for choosing the most suitable rootstock for your specific needs. Our experts are available to provide recommendations based on local conditions, the citrus variety you wish to grow, and your production goals. With our wide range of potted and bare-root citrus plants, as well as rootstocks adapted to various climatic conditions and soil types, we help you maximize the success of your citrus cultivation.

The Benefits of Working with Agrumiverse

• Agrumiverse Citrus Plant Supplier: We offer a wide range of rootstocks, adapted to the different climatic conditions and soil types in the south of France. Whether you are a citrus grower or a nurseryman, we have the ideal solution for your project.
• Agrumiverse Citrus Specialist: Our experts are available to advise you on the best rootstock choice based on your specific needs. Take advantage of our expertise to ensure the success of your citrus crops.
• Agrumiverse Supplier for professional citrus growers: Thanks to our experience and our network of specialized nurseries, we offer professional quality plants and dedicated service to each customer.

FAQ

Why is it important to choose the right rootstock for citrus?
The rootstock directly influences the hardiness of the tree, its resistance to diseases, its soil tolerance and the quality of the fruit produced.

What are the most cold-resistant rootstocks?
Rootstocks such as Poncirus trifoliata and Citrumelo Swingle are particularly cold-hardy, being able to tolerate temperatures down to -20°C.

How do I know what type of soil I have?
You can have a soil test performed at a specialized laboratory or consult a local nursery for recommendations based on your soil conditions.

Are all rootstocks compatible with all citrus varieties?
No, each rootstock is more or less suitable for certain citrus varieties. It is important to check compatibility before grafting.

Does Agrumiverse offer citrus plants for small areas?
Yes, at Agrumiverse we supply plants for both small gardens and large farms.

Do you offer technical support after purchase?
Yes, Agrumiverse offers dedicated technical support to guide you throughout the process, from planting to production.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rootstock is essential to ensure the success of your citrus crops in the South of France. The varied climatic conditions and soil types of this region require careful analysis to select the rootstock that will best meet your needs. With options such as Citrange C35 , Citrumelo Swingle , and Poncirus trifoliata , every grower can find a solution that fits their production goals.

For personalized support and professional-quality plants, contact Agrumiverse . Our experts are here to advise you and provide tailored solutions, ensuring the success of your citrus orchard.