2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
If bergamot is found on the shelves of our supermarkets next to such citrus fruits as orange, pomelo, lemon, it is very rare. Unlike its more common commercially available counterparts, this exotic is practically not eaten due to its specific taste. Nevertheless, there are always fans of unusual plants who are ready not only for interesting culinary experiments, but also challenge the classic indoor floriculture, having such an extravagant pet. And bergamot is no exception in this regard. So let's take a closer look at this interesting perennial
The mystery of the origin of bergamot
Bergamot has long been known and used by humans in various fields of activity - cooking, perfumery, medicine. However, disputes about the origin of the plant are still ongoing in scientific circles. According to some sources, it is a hybrid of orange and citron, according to other sources, one of its progenitors was the sweet lime limetta. You can also find sources that attribute bergamot not to a hybrid species, but a variety of bigaradia - orange or bitter orange.
It is believed that the birthplace of bergamot is Southeast Asia and it owes its appearance to Chinese breeders. At the same time, the name has both Italian roots and traces in Turkish. As for the distribution area of perennials, it is quite wide. The tree is found not only on the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France, Greece. There are whole bergamot plantations in Argentina, Brazil and even the USA.
Features of bergamot
The bergamot tree is relatively short. In its natural habitat, on average, its height reaches about 5 m. And the shape and size are very similar to the orange. The tree branches densely. There are almost no thorns on the branches themselves, but the green shoots are generously covered with long sharp thorns, up to 10 cm in size.
This evergreen beauty has a very decorative look. The crown is decorated with a huge number of oval-shaped leaves, collected on short petioles in whole bunches. The leathery leaf plate has a brighter green color on top and a less saturated shade and a matte surface underneath. The leaves have a characteristic citrus scent.
Bergamot blooms in March-April. The buds are small and the flowers are small, but they bloom in huge numbers. The petals of the plant are snow-white, the flowers exude a strong sweet fragrance. An interesting detail - while the late harvest of last year is ripening on the tree, at the same time the branches of the tree can be strewn with newly blossoming flowers.
Bergamot has a round, slightly pear-shaped fruit. As it ripens, the peel turns yellow, but often ripe fruits still have a greenish tint. The skin of the fruit is smooth. Bergamot measures about 5-6 cm in diameter and 6-7 in height.
The pulp, like other citrus fruits, is divided into 12-14 segments by slices. The taste is very sour and is not consumed fresh. Marmalade is made from it, and jam is made from the peel. The skin is also used to obtain essential oil, and it is this oil that is used to flavor tea.
Bergamot in home floriculture
The good news for those who wish to acquire bergamot as a house pet is that it is a rather unpretentious plant for exotic species. In conditions of limited space, the tree grows slowly, and its height will not exceed 2 m. It is advisable to take a well-lit corner in the house for it. To accelerate growth, it is recommended to supplement the pot, and even better to grow it in a winter garden.
The optimum temperature for keeping in the warm period will be + 20 … + 24? С, and in the cold season - within + 15 … + 18? С.
Like other subtropical natives, bergamot is picky about moisture. In the spring and summer, it is recommended to spray it. For this, water should be harvested in advance so that it is settled and close to room temperature. The same rule applies to watering. If you ignore this rule, the leaves of the plant will turn yellow.
As it grows, the tree will need replanting. At a young age, this is done in early spring every year. In the future, the procedure is carried out every 3-4 years, but the surface layer of the soil must be changed.
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