For container mandarins, water until the water runs through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Mandarin Orange Tree Careįor mandarin orange tree care, water the little tree regularly, once or twice a week in drier climates. Drainage is key since mandarins do not like to get their “feet” wet. Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix amended with compost or cow manure, or if planting a mandarin orange tree in the garden, amend the soil as above with one 20-pound (9 kg.) bag of organic material to each foot (30.5 cm.) of soil. If using a container, it should be three times bigger than the seedling’s root ball. Make sure when planting a mandarin orange tree that you choose a site with full sun exposure. They can be grown into a small tree either in another pot or directly in the garden in the hardiness zones above. Seeds should be started indoors and transplanted once germinated. Suitable in USDA zones 9-11, mandarins can be grown either from seed or purchased rootstock. While the fruit of the mandarin is tender and easily damaged in transit and susceptible to cold, the tree is more tolerant of drought and cold temps than the sweet orange. Mandarin oranges are native to the Philippines and southeastern Asia and have gradually developed for commercial cultivation through Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi with some lesser groves in Texas, Georgia, and California. And what we often categorize as mandarins are actually ancient hybrids (sweet oranges, sour oranges, and grapefruits). The terms “tangerines” and “mandarins” are used almost interchangeably, but the tangerines refer to red-orange mandarins shipped out of Tangiers, Morocco to Florida in the late 1800’s.Īdditionally, growing mandarin oranges consist of three types: mandarin, citron, and pummel. ‘Cuties’ are Clementine mandarins marketed prior to Christmas and W. Mandarins include cultivars Clementine, Satsuma, and other cultivars. Popular in the Philippines, throughout Central and South America, and commonly grown in Japan, southern China, India, and the East Indies, the name “tangerine” may apply to the entire group of Citrus reticulata however this is usually in reference to those with red-orange skin. The fruit looks sort of like a small, slightly squashed orange with a vibrant, orange to red-orange peel enclosing the sectioned, juicy fruit. They can be the same size as a sweet orange or much smaller dependent upon the variety and hang from a thorned tree attaining heights of up to 25 feet (7.5 m.). So what are mandarin oranges and what is the difference between Clementines and mandarin oranges? What are Mandarin Oranges?Īlso referred to as “kid-glove” oranges, mandarin orange info tells us that the scientific name is Citrus reticulata and they are members of a distinct species with thin, loose peels. What are we talking about? Mandarin oranges. Otherwise, you may be familiar with this citrus culturally or simply because you were attracted to the trade name ‘Cutie’ at the supermarket. If you celebrate the Christmas holiday, you may have found a small, orange fruit in the toe of your stocking left there by Santa Claus.

Mandarin tangerine fruit