Hybrid Mandarin Kukle(Citrus Margarita x citrus Clementina)

Important notice! Most citrus plants on the market are produced for planting in orchards in the Mediterranean countries. They have a large overall height, have high graft and are difficult to shape and support at home. Rootstocks on which they are grafted are very fast growing, which is fine for the open ground in the subtropics, but is not desirable when growing in pot in the temperate climate.

All our small citrus plants are produced specifically for the Bulgarian market and are ideally suited for home cultivation. The rootstocks cause compact growth, grafts are low and this allows making an excellent shape of the crown, to be suitable for growing in pots. The used rootstocks are trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon') and Volkamer lemon, Citrus volkameriana. Trifoliate orange is frost-hardy to -25°C, and significantly increases the cold resistance of plants grafted on it.

Citrus Kukle

Hybrid Mandarin Kukle from Botanical Garden - Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Citrus Kucle – a unique citrus hybrid with exceptional ornamental and fruit qualities

Citrus Kucle is a rare and impressive citrus variety, created by crossing kumquat and clementine. This hybrid combines the best of both parents – the ornamental charm of kumquat and the delightful fragrance of clementine. The result is a compact, evergreen plant that produces small orange fruits with a fine citrus aroma and excellent flavor.

Characteristics of Citrus Kucle

• Compact, evergreen plant with a dense canopy – perfect for container growing.

• Thornless, safe and easy to maintain.

• Fragrant white blossoms, blooming generously throughout the season.

• Fruiting: small, orange, slightly oval fruits that can be eaten whole, including the peel.

• Taste: a balanced mix of kumquat’s refreshing acidity and clementine’s gentle sweetness.

• Cold tolerance: withstands temperatures down to approx. –4°C, suitable for winter gardens and warmer outdoor climates.

• Size: reaches about 2–3 m outdoors, remaining more compact in pots.

Advantages of Citrus Kucle

• Perfect for decorative arrangements, terraces, patios, and interior spaces.

• Produces edible fruits ideal for fresh consumption, jams, drinks, and desserts.

• Easy-care variety with strong resilience and long-lasting ornamental appeal.

• Suitable for both beginners and experienced citrus enthusiasts.

As with all other Citrus plants, the orange is susceptible to scales and spider mites and needs to be sprayed twice a year.

In winter it will need a cool place with temperatures 0-10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is higher, the leaves usually fall off. In summer it needs to be outside and abundantly watered.

Much more information about all citrus species is available in Bulgarian on our forum:

http://forum.palmi.bg/viewforum.php?f=4