Due to its noble fragrance and to the fact that it reliably produces a rich harvest of fruits every year the Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is our personal favorite among the citrus plants. Its origin, however, is not known for sure. It is assumed that the Bergamot is a cross of bitter orange ( C. aurantium) with lemon (C. limon) or Mexican lime (C. aurantiifolia). Best known varieties are ‘Fantastico’ and ‘Feminello’. The Bergamot is a fast-growing plant with upright branches without thorns. The leaves are large and winged. Also, they are rich in essential oils (petitgrain). Their refreshing aroma consisting of various components is used in the cosmetics and food industries, e.g. for Eau de Cologne (4711), flavored tea like 'Earl Grey', Cointreau and many more. The 2-3 cm large flowers are very fragrant: their essential oils are extracted by distilling and sold as neroli. The fruits have a yellow peel and grow to the size of an orange or grapefruit. Its characteristic is a short appendix at the navel. Inside, the juicy, sour, yellow, seedless flesh is ideal for making iced tea - it doesn't always have to be lemon!

Quality: intensely fragrant flowers & fruits; edible & decorative fruits for the kitchen/cosmetics; reliably rich harvest every year; evergreen & glossy & fragrant leaves

Use: in pots from April/May outside on balcony, terrace and in the garden - during winter in a winter quarter or greenhouse; all year round in a heated greenhouse or bright room