In the Var, the winter cold changes a lot between the coast and inland. One winter in ten, it falls to about −2 °C in Toulon and on the islands, −4 °C in Hyères and Fréjus, −8 °C on the Argens plain, −9 °C in the valleys of the Maures and −11 °C in the upper Var.
We went through thirty winters of Météo-France records, from 1996 to 2026, and compared them with the hardiness of each of our plants. Choose your area below. You will find:
- the citrus trees that spend the winter outdoors without protection;
- those that need a fleece on frosty nights;
- those that stay in a pot.
The lists are kept up to date: only the plants available today are shown with a photo.
- −5 °C or milder
- −6 to −7 °C
- −8 to −9 °C
- −10 to −11 °C
- −12 to −13 °C
- −14 to −15 °C
- −16 to −17 °C
- −18 to −19 °C
- −20 °C and colder
Colour: the cold of one winter in ten, on the plain. Click on a neighbouring département to see its page. Map of the whole of France.
Choose your area:
−2 °Cone winter in ten
Toulon, the harbour, the capes and the islands
Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, Six-Fours-les-Plages, Porquerolles, Port-Cros, île du Levant
See the citrus trees for this area
The mildest part of the département, almost without frost: −2 °C one winter in ten. Toulon only falls to −2.4 °C, the Îles d'Hyères and Cap Camarat even less. All citrus trees spend the winter outdoors here, lemon trees included. The soil is often acid; the wind and the salt spray dry out the leaves: plant in the shelter of a wall or a hedge.
Cap Cépet (Saint-Mandrier)
The soil of the area and the rootstock
According to the soil map, this area mostly has thin acid soils. In practice, the soil is often acid.
Rootstocks to favour: Poncirus, then 4475.
Your plot may be different. Look at the Géoportail soil map (in French) around your home, then refine with our 5-step test.
In open ground, without protection
They withstand −2 °C. In the first years, a fleece on nights below −5 °C is a sensible precaution.
-
Satsuma China S-2
down to −12 °C · €41.00
-
Ermelo Orange
down to −10 °C · €47.00
-
Changsha Mandarin
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Changshan Huyou
down to −11 °C · €38.00
-
Sudachi Seneca
down to −12 °C · €42.00
-
Orisa 9 Tangor
down to −9 °C · €41.00
-
Yuzu 3
down to −15 °C · €38.00
-
Fukushu Kumquat
down to −10 °C · €32.30
See all 73 available plants that withstand −2 °C
Sold out for now: 46 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Ambersweet, Auline, Bendizao Mandarin, Corsican Mountain Orange, Dom Joao Orange, Fragola Orange, Hana Yuzu, Haruka, Harumi, Hassaku, Hyuganatsu, Iyo Mikan Tangor, Jabara, Juanita Mandarin, Kino Kuni Mikakukishu Mandarin, Mandalate Mandarin, Mapo Tangelo, Meiwa Kumquat, Minneola, Moro Orange, Nameiwa Kumquat, Natsudaidai, Ota 38 Tangor, Rio Red Grapefruit, Salustiana Orange, Sanbokan, Satsuma China S-3, Satsuma Dobashi Beni, Satsuma Iwasaki, Satsuma Kowano, Satsuma Louisiana, Satsuma Miho, Satsuma Pucheng, Satsuma Saigon, Satsuma Waze, Sciara x Clem Blood Tangor, Seminole, Setubalense Mandarin, Shunkokan, Thornless Yuzu, US SuperNa, Ugli, Vaniglia Sanguigno Orange, Wekiwa Tangelolo, Yuzu, Z194 Ichangensis x Sinensis.
In open ground, with a fleece on frosty nights
They withstand 1 °C. A winter fleece put on at each frost and removed as soon as the frost stops, and a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
No plant available in this range for now.
The others: in a pot, brought in for the winter
Lemons, limes and less hardy citrus (more tender than 1 °C): in a large pot, outdoors from spring to autumn and brought into a bright, frost-free room for the winter. All our citrus trees.
−4 °Cone winter in ten
The coastal plains of Hyères and Fréjus
Hyères, La Londe-les-Maures, Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Roquebrune-sur-Argens
See the citrus trees for this area
As soon as you leave the seafront, frost comes back: −4 °C one winter in ten in Hyères, −4.5 °C in Fréjus. All citrus trees spend the winter outdoors here without protection, lemon trees included. For lemon trees, keep a fleece for exceptional nights and plant them against a south-facing wall.
Hyères
The soil of the area and the rootstock
According to the soil map, this area mostly has ordinary brown soils, sodisalisol and thin acid soils.
Rootstocks to favour: Poncirus, then FA5.
Your plot may be different. Look at the Géoportail soil map (in French) around your home, then refine with our 5-step test.
In open ground, without protection
They withstand −4 °C. In the first years, a fleece on nights below −5 °C is a sensible precaution.
-
Satsuma China S-2
down to −12 °C · €41.00
-
Ermelo Orange
down to −10 °C · €47.00
-
Changsha Mandarin
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Changshan Huyou
down to −11 °C · €38.00
-
Sudachi Seneca
down to −12 °C · €42.00
-
Orisa 9 Tangor
down to −9 °C · €41.00
-
Yuzu 3
down to −15 °C · €38.00
-
Fukushu Kumquat
down to −10 °C · €32.30
See all 72 available plants that withstand −4 °C
Sold out for now: 46 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Ambersweet, Auline, Bendizao Mandarin, Corsican Mountain Orange, Dom Joao Orange, Fragola Orange, Hana Yuzu, Haruka, Harumi, Hassaku, Hyuganatsu, Iyo Mikan Tangor, Jabara, Juanita Mandarin, Kino Kuni Mikakukishu Mandarin, Mandalate Mandarin, Mapo Tangelo, Meiwa Kumquat, Minneola, Moro Orange, Nameiwa Kumquat, Natsudaidai, Ota 38 Tangor, Rio Red Grapefruit, Salustiana Orange, Sanbokan, Satsuma China S-3, Satsuma Dobashi Beni, Satsuma Iwasaki, Satsuma Kowano, Satsuma Louisiana, Satsuma Miho, Satsuma Pucheng, Satsuma Saigon, Satsuma Waze, Sciara x Clem Blood Tangor, Seminole, Setubalense Mandarin, Shunkokan, Thornless Yuzu, US SuperNa, Ugli, Vaniglia Sanguigno Orange, Wekiwa Tangelolo, Yuzu, Z194 Ichangensis x Sinensis.
In open ground, with a fleece on frosty nights
They withstand −1 °C. A winter fleece put on at each frost and removed as soon as the frost stops, and a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
The others: in a pot, brought in for the winter
Lemons, limes and less hardy citrus (more tender than −1 °C): in a large pot, outdoors from spring to autumn and brought into a bright, frost-free room for the winter. All our citrus trees.
−8 °Cone winter in ten
Argens plain and Dracénie
Draguignan, Les Arcs, Le Luc, Vidauban, Lorgues, Entrecasteaux, Montfort-sur-Argens, Seillans
See the citrus trees for this area
The Argens plain and the Draguignan area, on often chalky soil: −8 °C one winter in ten, −6 °C in an ordinary winter. Orange trees, the hardiest clementines, satsumas, yuzus, kumquats and citranges spend the winter outdoors here; lemon trees and the other clementines need a fleece on frosty nights. Plant halfway up a slope rather than at the bottom of the valley: Montfort-sur-Argens falls to −9.8 °C one winter in ten.
Montfort-sur-Argens
The soil of the area and the rootstock
According to the soil map, this area mostly has chalky soils, calcium-rich but barely chalky soils and river alluvium. In practice, the soil is often chalky.
Rootstocks to favour: FA5, then C35.
Your plot may be different. Look at the Géoportail soil map (in French) around your home, then refine with our 5-step test.
In open ground, without protection
They withstand −8 °C. In the first years, a fleece on nights below −5 °C is a sensible precaution.
-
Satsuma China S-2
down to −12 °C · €41.00
-
Ermelo Orange
down to −10 °C · €47.00
-
Changsha Mandarin
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Changshan Huyou
down to −11 °C · €38.00
-
Sudachi Seneca
down to −12 °C · €42.00
-
Orisa 9 Tangor
down to −9 °C · €41.00
-
Yuzu 3
down to −15 °C · €38.00
-
Fukushu Kumquat
down to −10 °C · €32.30
See all 57 available plants that withstand −8 °C
Sold out for now: 43 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Ambersweet, Auline, Bendizao Mandarin, Corsican Mountain Orange, Dom Joao Orange, Fragola Orange, Hana Yuzu, Haruka, Harumi, Hassaku, Hyuganatsu, Jabara, Juanita Mandarin, Kino Kuni Mikakukishu Mandarin, Mapo Tangelo, Meiwa Kumquat, Minneola, Moro Orange, Nameiwa Kumquat, Natsudaidai, Ota 38 Tangor, Rio Red Grapefruit, Salustiana Orange, Sanbokan, Satsuma China S-3, Satsuma Dobashi Beni, Satsuma Iwasaki, Satsuma Kowano, Satsuma Louisiana, Satsuma Miho, Satsuma Pucheng, Satsuma Saigon, Satsuma Waze, Sciara x Clem Blood Tangor, Seminole, Setubalense Mandarin, Shunkokan, Thornless Yuzu, Ugli, Vaniglia Sanguigno Orange, Wekiwa Tangelolo, Yuzu, Z194 Ichangensis x Sinensis.
In open ground, with a fleece on frosty nights
They withstand −5 °C. A winter fleece put on at each frost and removed as soon as the frost stops, and a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
-
Carvalhal Early Mandarin
down to −7 °C · €29.75
-
Star Ruby Grapefruit
down to −7 °C · €29.75
-
Bergamot Fantastico
down to −7 °C · €35.00
-
Tavares Limequat
down to −7 °C · €29.75
-
Early Clementine
down to −7 °C · €29.75
-
Moon Finger Lime
down to −7 °C · €41.00
-
Encore Mandarin
down to −7 °C · €35.00
-
Purple Finger Lime
down to −7 °C · €45.00
See all 15 available plants that withstand −5 °C
Sold out for now: 3 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Iyo Mikan Tangor, Mandalate Mandarin, US SuperNa.
The others: in a pot, brought in for the winter
Lemons, limes and less hardy citrus (more tender than −5 °C): in a large pot, outdoors from spring to autumn and brought into a bright, frost-free room for the winter. All our citrus trees.
−9 °Cone winter in ten
The Maures and the Toulon hinterland
Cuers, Solliès-Pont, Le Castellet, Le Beausset, Collobrières, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Cogolin, Grimaud
See the citrus trees for this area
Behind the coast, the valleys of the Maures and the hills around Cuers and Le Castellet get hard frosts: −9 °C one winter in ten, although Toulon and Hyères are very close. The soil is sometimes chalky, sometimes acid. Satsumas, yuzus, kumquats, citranges and the hardiest clementines spend the winter outdoors here; orange trees and the other clementines need a fleece. Lemon trees stay in pots. Avoid the bottoms of small valleys, where cold air collects at night.
Le Castellet
The soil of the area and the rootstock
According to the soil map, this area mostly has thin acid soils, chalky soils and ordinary brown soils. In practice, the soil is often chalky and acid.
Rootstocks to favour: C35, then Poncirus. Poncirus only if the active lime stays below about 5% (soil analysis).
Your plot may be different. Look at the Géoportail soil map (in French) around your home, then refine with our 5-step test.
In open ground, without protection
They withstand −9 °C. In the first years, a fleece on nights below −5 °C is a sensible precaution.
-
Satsuma China S-2
down to −12 °C · €41.00
-
Ermelo Orange
down to −10 °C · €47.00
-
Changsha Mandarin
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Changshan Huyou
down to −11 °C · €38.00
-
Sudachi Seneca
down to −12 °C · €42.00
-
Orisa 9 Tangor
down to −9 °C · €41.00
-
Yuzu 3
down to −15 °C · €38.00
-
Fukushu Kumquat
down to −10 °C · €32.30
See all 38 available plants that withstand −9 °C
Sold out for now: 31 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Ambersweet, Auline, Bendizao Mandarin, Corsican Mountain Orange, Hana Yuzu, Haruka, Harumi, Hyuganatsu, Jabara, Juanita Mandarin, Kino Kuni Mikakukishu Mandarin, Mapo Tangelo, Meiwa Kumquat, Minneola, Nameiwa Kumquat, Natsudaidai, Rio Red Grapefruit, Sanbokan, Satsuma China S-3, Satsuma Dobashi Beni, Satsuma Iwasaki, Satsuma Kowano, Satsuma Louisiana, Satsuma Miho, Satsuma Pucheng, Satsuma Saigon, Satsuma Waze, Setubalense Mandarin, Shunkokan, Thornless Yuzu, Yuzu.
In open ground, with a fleece on frosty nights
They withstand −6 °C. A winter fleece put on at each frost and removed as soon as the frost stops, and a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
-
Fukumoto Orange
down to −8 °C · €35.00
-
Fina Clementine
down to −8 °C · €29.75
-
Enzo Grapefruit
down to −8 °C · €35.00
-
Murcott Tangor
down to −8 °C · €35.00
-
Citradia
down to −8 °C · €35.00
-
Tavares Limequat
down to −7 °C · €29.75
-
Cara Cara Orange
down to −8 °C · €35.00
-
Glauca
down to −8 °C · €38.00
See all 27 available plants that withstand −6 °C
Sold out for now: 15 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Dom Joao Orange, Fragola Orange, Hassaku, Iyo Mikan Tangor, Mandalate Mandarin, Moro Orange, Ota 38 Tangor, Salustiana Orange, Sciara x Clem Blood Tangor, Seminole, US SuperNa, Ugli, Vaniglia Sanguigno Orange, Wekiwa Tangelolo, Z194 Ichangensis x Sinensis.
The others: in a pot, brought in for the winter
Lemons, limes and less hardy citrus (more tender than −6 °C): in a large pot, outdoors from spring to autumn and brought into a bright, frost-free room for the winter. All our citrus trees.
−11 °Cone winter in ten
Upper Var, Verdon and the Saint-Maximin basin
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Varages, Barjols, Aups, Régusse, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Aiguines, Comps-sur-Artuby
See the citrus trees for this area
The plateaus of the upper Var and the Verdon, and the Saint-Maximin basin: −11 °C one winter in ten and −15.2 °C recorded at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume in February 2012. The soil is often chalky. Citranges, yuzus and the hardiest satsumas spend the winter outdoors here; orange trees, the other satsumas, kumquats and the hardiest clementines with a fleece, against a south-facing wall. Lemon trees and the other clementines stay in pots. Comps-sur-Artuby, at 892 m, falls to −12 °C one winter in ten.
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
The soil of the area and the rootstock
According to the soil map, this area mostly has chalky soils, calcium-rich but barely chalky soils and river alluvium. In practice, the soil is often chalky.
Rootstocks to favour: FA5, then Poncirus. Poncirus only if the active lime stays below about 5% (soil analysis).
Your plot may be different. Look at the Géoportail soil map (in French) around your home, then refine with our 5-step test.
In open ground, without protection
They withstand −11 °C. In the first years, a fleece on nights below −5 °C is a sensible precaution.
-
Satsuma China S-2
down to −12 °C · €41.00
-
Changsha Mandarin
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Changshan Huyou
down to −11 °C · €38.00
-
Sudachi Seneca
down to −12 °C · €42.00
-
Yuzu 3
down to −15 °C · €38.00
-
Morton Citrange
down to −15 °C · €35.00
-
Clemyuz
down to −12 °C · €38.00
-
Eremorange
down to −12 °C · €35.00
See all 19 available plants that withstand −11 °C
Sold out for now: 12 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Ambersweet, Auline, Bendizao Mandarin, Hana Yuzu, Satsuma Dobashi Beni, Satsuma Kowano, Satsuma Louisiana, Satsuma Miho, Satsuma Saigon, Satsuma Waze, Thornless Yuzu, Yuzu.
In open ground, with a fleece on frosty nights
They withstand −8 °C. A winter fleece put on at each frost and removed as soon as the frost stops, and a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall.
-
Satsuma Miyagawa
down to −10 °C · €38.00
-
Ermelo Orange
down to −10 °C · €47.00
-
Kishu Kino Kuni Mandarin
down to −10 °C · €42.00
-
Welker Grapefruit
down to −10 °C · €35.00
-
Kinkoji
down to −10 °C · €38.00
-
Orisa 9 Tangor
down to −9 °C · €41.00
-
Yuko
down to −9 °C · €38.00
-
Fukushu Kumquat
down to −10 °C · €32.30
See all 38 available plants that withstand −8 °C
Sold out for now: 31 other plants
On their page, “Notify me” lets you know when they are back: Corsican Mountain Orange, Dom Joao Orange, Fragola Orange, Haruka, Harumi, Hassaku, Hyuganatsu, Jabara, Juanita Mandarin, Kino Kuni Mikakukishu Mandarin, Mapo Tangelo, Meiwa Kumquat, Minneola, Moro Orange, Nameiwa Kumquat, Natsudaidai, Ota 38 Tangor, Rio Red Grapefruit, Salustiana Orange, Sanbokan, Satsuma China S-3, Satsuma Iwasaki, Satsuma Pucheng, Sciara x Clem Blood Tangor, Seminole, Setubalense Mandarin, Shunkokan, Ugli, Vaniglia Sanguigno Orange, Wekiwa Tangelolo, Z194 Ichangensis x Sinensis.
The others: in a pot, brought in for the winter
Lemons, limes and less hardy citrus (more tender than −8 °C): in a large pot, outdoors from spring to autumn and brought into a bright, frost-free room for the winter. All our citrus trees.
Readings from the Météo-France stations (winters 1996-1997 to 2025-2026)
| Station | Altitude | Ordinary winter | One winter in ten | Record | Winters at −9 °C or below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Île du Levant | 118 m | 2.1 °C | −1 °C | −1.7 °C (12 February 2010) | 0 out of 29 |
| Porquerolles | 143 m | 1.5 °C | −2 °C | −2.1 °C (11 February 2012) | 0 out of 30 |
| Cap Camarat (Ramatuelle) | 107 m | 1 °C | −2.1 °C | −2.5 °C (21 December 2009) | 0 out of 21 |
| Cap Cépet (Saint-Mandrier) | 115 m | 0 °C | −2.5 °C | −2.6 °C (11 February 2010) | 0 out of 23 |
| Toulon | 3 m | −0.1 °C | −2.4 °C | −2.6 °C (12 February 2012) | 0 out of 30 |
| Hyères | 2 m | −1.7 °C | −4 °C | −5.6 °C (25 February 2005) | 0 out of 30 |
| Fréjus | 7 m | −1.7 °C | −4.5 °C | −5 °C (12 February 2012) | 0 out of 30 |
| Cogolin | 31 m | −4.4 °C | −8.3 °C | −9.5 °C (30 December 2005) | 1 out of 29 |
| Le Castellet (airfield) | 417 m | −4.5 °C | −8.2 °C | −9.5 °C (11 February 2012) | 1 out of 30 |
| Draguignan | 173 m | −4.7 °C | −7.8 °C | −8.8 °C (30 December 2005) | 0 out of 30 |
| Le Castellet | 66 m | −4.9 °C | −7.9 °C | −9.9 °C (11 February 2012) | 1 out of 28 |
| Seillans | 278 m | −5.2 °C | −7.5 °C | −8.6 °C (20 December 2009) | 0 out of 29 |
| Entrecasteaux | 279 m | −5.4 °C | −8.2 °C | −10 °C (12 February 2012) | 2 out of 28 |
| Les Arcs | 55 m | −5.6 °C | −8.4 °C | −8.7 °C (13 February 1999) | 0 out of 29 |
| Régusse | 561 m | −5.6 °C | −9 °C | −10.3 °C (11 February 2012) | 3 out of 29 |
| Bormes-les-Mimosas | 88 m | −5.7 °C | −9.1 °C | −9.8 °C (26 January 2005) | 4 out of 30 |
| Cuers | 72 m | −5.8 °C | −9.1 °C | −9.3 °C (2 March 2005) | 3 out of 27 |
| Collobrières | 128 m | −5.9 °C | −9.3 °C | −9.6 °C (13 February 1999) | 3 out of 28 |
| Le Luc | 80 m | −6.1 °C | −9.3 °C | −9.6 °C (6 January 2002) | 4 out of 30 |
| Varages | 348 m | −6.1 °C | −9.2 °C | −12.5 °C (2 March 2005) | 6 out of 30 |
| Aups | 497 m | −6.3 °C | −10.1 °C | −10.4 °C (30 December 2005) | 6 out of 30 |
| Montfort-sur-Argens | 141 m | −6.6 °C | −9.8 °C | −10.6 °C (2 March 2005) | 4 out of 30 |
| Aiguines | 563 m | −6.7 °C | −11.2 °C | −12.2 °C (7 February 2012) | 3 out of 21 |
| Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume | 294 m | −7.4 °C | −12.5 °C | −15.2 °C (12 February 2012) | 6 out of 20 |
| Comps-sur-Artuby | 892 m | −7.9 °C | −12 °C | −12.6 °C (20 December 2009) | 10 out of 27 |
| Vinon-sur-Verdon | 271 m | −9 °C | −12.9 °C | −13.5 °C (12 February 2012) | 14 out of 24 |
“Ordinary winter”: half of the winters go colder, the other half less cold. “One winter in ten”: this cold is reached or exceeded in about one winter in ten. Calculations by the Greffeur d'agrumes nursery.
How to read these figures
The hardiness given on our product pages is the cold that an adult, healthy and hardened citrus tree withstands during a short frost. We compare it with the cold that comes back about one winter in ten: a plant listed “without protection” withstands at least that cold. In harsher winters, about three in thirty, keep a winter fleece ready for the coldest nights.
Very harsh winters are still possible. In February 2012, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume fell to −15.2 °C, while Toulon only recorded −2.6 °C. Such cold can burn the leaves or a few shoots of a citrus tree that is only just hardy enough. Wait for spring to see what grows back before pruning.
To understand what helps a tree get through frost, read Understanding citrus hardiness.
Our advice for the Var
- On the coast, choose according to the cold where you live. The coast is a favoured place for citrus trees, but frost there varies quickly: −2.4 °C one winter in ten in Toulon, −4 °C in Hyères, −9.1 °C in Bormes-les-Mimosas, a few kilometres from the sea. Look at the nearest station before you choose.
- Avoid hollows. Cold air flows down and collects at the bottom of valleys and in basins. The Saint-Maximin basin shows it: −12.5 °C one winter in ten. Plant halfway up a slope or against a south-facing wall, never at the lowest point of the garden.
- Shelter from the wind. The mistral and, on the coast, the salt spray dry out the leaves. A hedge or a wall on the windward side helps young trees a lot.
- Choose the rootstock for your soil. Inland, the soil is often chalky: FA5 does well there, and a mound helps in heavy soil. Poncirus is the most cold-resistant. Our 5-step test helps you choose: Which rootstock should you choose?
- Plant in spring, once the frosts are over, and protect young plants on nights below −5 °C during the first years. Put the winter fleece on at each frost and take it off as soon as the frost stops.
- Mulch in summer only, against drought, without the straw touching the trunk. Pull it away from the foot of the tree at the end of autumn: moisture at the collar encourages phytophthora.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant a lemon tree in the ground in Toulon?
Yes. Lemon trees withstand about −5 °C, and Toulon only falls to −2.4 °C one winter in ten. On the coast at Hyères and Fréjus, they also spend the winter without protection, against a south-facing wall; keep a fleece for exceptional nights. On the Argens plain, they need a fleece at each frost. In the valleys of the Maures and higher up, keep them in pots. You will find them in Lemons and lemon substitutes.
Which citrus trees withstand the cold best in the Var?
Satsumas, yuzus and kumquats spend the winter without protection on the coast, on the Argens plain and in the valleys of the Maures. In the upper Var, at −11 °C one winter in ten, citranges, yuzus and the hardiest satsumas hold out without protection; kumquats and the other satsumas need a fleece. They are brought together in Hardy citrus.
What about orange trees and clementines?
They withstand −7 to −9 °C depending on the variety. On the coast, they spend the winter outdoors without protection. On the Argens plain, so do orange trees and the hardiest clementines; the other clementines need a fleece on frosty nights. In the valleys of the Maures, the hardiest clementines spend the winter without protection; orange trees and the other clementines are grown with a fleece, against a south-facing wall. In the upper Var, orange trees and the hardiest clementines need a fleece; keep the other clementines in pots. See Orange trees.
My town is not listed: which area should I choose?
Take the nearest area at the same altitude, then compare with the nearest station in the table of readings. Take off about one degree for every 150 m of extra altitude, and one or two degrees if you are in a hollow.
These figures are guidelines. Your garden may be milder or colder than the nearest station. A question about your plot? Write to us.
Sources: Météo-France, daily basic climatological data (data.gouv.fr, Licence Ouverte 2.0); near the eastern border, also the Deutscher Wetterdienst (Datenlizenz Deutschland 2.0); towns, altitudes and boundaries: INSEE, IGN (Admin Express, RGE ALTI) and geo.api.gouv.fr (Licence Ouverte); soils: dominant soil map INRAE / Gis Sol (Licence Ouverte). Topsoil lime: LUCAS, European Commission, JRC (ESDAC, Ballabio et al. 2019).