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Yuzu #890910

Asked December 18, 2024, 2:25 PM EST

Hello, any information on Yuzu as a crop in the Willamette Valley?

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Greetings,

So we can best assist, are you asking for backyard production or for commercial purposes?

Warm Regards,  Replied December 19, 2024, 12:29 PM EST
Sorry for the lack of clarity.  I have an area with a northerly aspect at about 600’ in the Chehalem Mountains where I’d like to grow a commercial crop.  One Green World has a variety, Ichandrin, hardy to 0 F.  Would this be a viable crop in this situation, or should I stick to blueberries? 
- Michael


On Dec 19, 2024, at 9:29 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied December 19, 2024, 2:00 PM EST
I found a paper from Korea stating Yuzu trees grow in a warm climate of between 13–38 °C or 55-100°F annual average temperature, and are more cold tolerant than most other citrus species, being able to withstand daily minimum temperatures down to −9 °C or 15.8°F.

I wasn't able to find research papers on Yuzu production in the US - but garnered that it is possible to grow Yuzu in the Willamette Valley. The trees prefer full sun - so a north facing slope will pose challenges. If you were growing Yuzu for home use, then protecting the plant during the winter with a wrap and covering the ground with mulch.

You could try a couple trees at your site, observe for cold injury or other factors impeding production. If they do well and you're satisfied then increase to a larger area. If you wanted to avoid the risk, then sticking with blueberries would be the way to go.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 20, 2024, 6:32 PM EST

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