Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors

Bergamot oranges are valuable for commercial growers primarily because of their highly aromatic essential oil, which is concentrated in the rind. This oil is a premium product used in the flavoring, fragrance, and cosmetic industries. Its most famous application is in giving Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavor, but it is also widely used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and natural remedies.

The essential oil commands strong market demand, especially in Europe and specialty markets worldwide. Bergamot oil contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are highly valued for their complex citrus-floral aroma and natural preservative properties. Because of these characteristics, the fruit is cultivated almost exclusively for oil extraction and specialty processing rather than fresh market sales.

In short, bergamot oranges are commercially important not for fresh consumption but for their unique flavoring qualities and fragrance potential, making them a profitable niche crop for growers supplying specialty food, beverage, and fragrance industries.

Bergamot orange trees are grafted onto different rootstocks to balance growth, adaptability, and oil quality. In traditional production regions like Sicily, sour orange is the preferred rootstock because it produces strong, long-lived trees and delivers the highest quality essential oil, though it is vulnerable to citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Trifoliate hybrids such as Carrizo and Troyer provide good cold tolerance and disease resistance, making them suitable outside Mediterranean climates, though oil yield may be slightly lower. Volkameriana encourages vigorous growth and earlier production with resilience to tristeza, but the oil can be less concentrated. Cleopatra mandarin offers adaptability to heavier or saline soils, producing steady yields though trees grow more slowly. Overall, sour orange gives the finest oil quality, while modern hybrids are chosen for resilience and broader adaptability.

Bergamots are only available as a custom order as a Citrus Liner (CL), a Small Pot (SP) or a Large Pot (LP). The LP is most suited for an orchard planting while the CL and SP are best for nurseries used to grow on to a retail ready product.

TreeSource operates under the California Clean Stock Program and produces its trees in CDFA and USDA-certified greenhouses, using disease-free budwood to meet federal and state nursery stock standards. This level of certification allows our citrus trees to be shipped legally to most states for both home and commercial planting, with the exception of Florida and Texas, which maintain their own strict citrus quarantine rules.

While our nursery emphasizes clean, certified stock suitable for out-of-state planting, the approval for commercial use ultimately depends on the regulations of the receiving state. Most states accept USDA/CDFA-certified citrus nursery stock, but individual state agriculture departments may impose additional inspections or permits. In short, TreeSource’s trees are produced and certified for out-of-state planting, and they are widely used in commercial groves, but growers should always verify requirements with their own state agriculture agency before ordering.

Bergamot orange trees thrive best in climates that resemble the Mediterranean, with mild winters, hot summers, and consistent sunlight. They prefer coastal or low-elevation areas where temperatures remain moderate and extreme cold is rare. Frost is particularly damaging, as bergamot trees are more sensitive than many other citrus varieties, so regions with winter lows below 32°F pose a risk without frost protection. Warm days paired with cool nights enhance the development of aromatic compounds in the rind, which is critical for high-quality essential oil production.

In terms of soil, bergamot oranges do best in well-drained, fertile soils with good aeration. Sandy loams with balanced organic matter are ideal because they prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, while still retaining enough moisture to sustain steady growth. The trees are moderately tolerant of calcareous soils, especially when grafted onto suitable rootstocks like sour orange or Cleopatra mandarin, which help them adapt to higher pH conditions. Excessive salinity or heavy clay soils, however, can reduce tree vigor and fruit quality.

Overall, successful bergamot cultivation depends on a climate with mild winters, warm summers, and protection from frost, along with soils that drain well yet retain moisture. These conditions support both healthy tree growth and the production of high-quality fruit prized for its aromatic oil.