Clementine Mandarin Tree

Clementine Mandarin Tree is grown for small, bright orange mandarins that peel cleanly and taste sweet, juicy, and lightly tangy. Citrus x clementina 'Clementine' grows about 10 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in the ground. Compared with many mandarins, Clementine ripens early, has thin skin, and usually has few seeds unless nearby citrus adds cross-pollination. Our growers often choose it for families because the fruit is simple to peel, good for lunchboxes, and ready in winter.Clementine Mandarin Tree CarePlant Clementine Mandarin Tree in spring after frost danger has passed, or in fall only in mild climates with little freeze risk. Set the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery container and keep the graft union above the soil. Space trees 8 to 10 feet apart in full sun with 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Sandy or loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH around 5.5 to 6.5 is best, and wet heavy soil should be improved or mounded before planting. In cold climates, protect the tree when temperatures approach freezing and overwinter in a bright, cool room (about 5060F).Growing Clementine Mandarin TreeClementine Mandarin Tree is self-fertile and commonly begins producing in a few years when grown from a grafted tree. To keep fruit mostly seedless, avoid planting near other blooming citrus that attract pollinators during Clementines flowering period. Fruit ripens from November through January and is best harvested when the peel is fully orange and the flavor has sweetened. Clip or gently twist fruit from the stem, store it in a cool place for short use, or refrigerate it to hold the harvest longer. After harvest, lightly shape the canopy, remove crossing shoots, and snip off any suckers below the graft union. Growing Clementine Mandarin Tree in ContainersClementine Mandarin Tree works well in containers for patios, balconies, sunrooms, and bright indoor winter spaces. Start with a 14 inch pot, and repot into a larger container every 2 to 3 years in spring as roots become crowded. Use a fast-draining citrus blend with one tree per pot. Place planters 23 ft apart so sunlight reaches all sides and picking is easy.Watering Clementine Mandarin TreeWater young Clementine Mandarin Tree deeply when the top 2 inches of soil dry, keeping moisture steady without leaving roots saturated. Established trees need deeper watering less often. Leaf curl, flower drop, or soil that pulls away from the pot edge signals the tree needs a better soak.Feeding Clementine Mandarin TreeFeed from late winter through mid-summer with a citrus fertilizer that includes nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and other micronutrients. Apply 3 to 4 times per year according to the label to support glossy foliage, fragrant bloom, and winter fruit, then pause feeding in late fall.