Tangerine - Dancy Tree
Original price
$125.00
-
Original price
$125.00
Original price
$125.00
$125.00
-
$125.00
Current price
$125.00
Dancy Tangerine Tree (Citrus reticulata 'Dancy') Growing and Care Guide
- Taste of the Fruit: The Dancy Tangerine, often called the classic "zipper-skin" tangerine, delivers a rich, intense flavor that is sweet with a pleasant tart or sprightly tang and subtle spicy nuances. The deep orange, tender, juicy flesh has high sugar and acidity balance, creating a vibrant, aromatic profile with floral and fruity notes released upon peeling; it is widely regarded as one of the best-tasting traditional mandarins, more complex and flavorful than many modern seedless varieties, though it contains 6–20 seeds and performs best in warmer climates where acidity mellows into rich sweetness.
- Botanical Name and Common Names: The botanical name is Citrus reticulata 'Dancy' (also referenced as Citrus tangerina 'Dancy'). Common names include Dancy Tangerine, Dancy Mandarin, Dancy Orange, Zipper-skin Tangerine, and Kid-glove Orange; it is one of the oldest and most historically significant tangerine varieties grown in Florida.
- Average Height and Growth Rate: A standard Dancy Tangerine Tree reaches an average height of 15–25 feet tall and wide at maturity when grown in the ground, developing a vigorous, upright to spreading, densely foliated canopy that is nearly thornless. Growth rate is moderately fast to vigorous, especially in the first few years after planting, allowing grafted trees to establish quickly and begin fruiting within 2–4 years; dwarf or container-grown specimens are typically maintained at 8–12 feet with regular pruning.
- Best Growing Environment and Sun Requirements: Dancy Tangerine Trees thrive in warm subtropical to tropical climates with well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0) that is rich in organic matter yet airy to prevent root issues. They require full sun exposure of at least 6–8 hours (ideally 8–10 hours) of direct sunlight daily for strong growth, abundant flowering, fruit set, and optimal sweetness; good air circulation and protection from strong winds help reduce disease pressure, while consistent warm daytime temperatures (70–90F) produce the richest flavor.
- USDA Zone and Cold Hardiness: The Dancy Tangerine is recommended for USDA Hardiness Zones 8–11 (with best flavor and performance often in Zones 9–11). It is moderately cold-hardy for a mandarin, tolerating brief exposure to temperatures around 28–32F with some protection, though fruit can be more sensitive; in cooler marginal areas, grow in large containers that can be moved indoors or sheltered during freezes.
- Water Requirements: These trees prefer deep, infrequent watering to promote robust root development while maintaining consistently moist (but never soggy) soil—excellent drainage is critical to avoid root rot. Young trees may need watering 2–3 times per week during hot, dry periods, while established trees generally require thorough deep watering every 7–14 days in the growing season (more often in extreme heat); reduce frequency in winter, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Planting Guide: Plant Dancy Tangerine Trees in spring after the last frost (or in fall in warmer Zones) in a sunny, well-drained location. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but the same depth, amending heavy soils with organic matter or using a citrus-specific potting mix for containers of at least 20–25 gallons with multiple drainage holes. Space in-ground trees 15–20 feet apart; apply a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base (kept several inches away from the trunk) to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing Times of Year with Specific Recommended Fertilizer: Fertilize Dancy Tangerine Trees three times per year during the active growing season—typically in late winter/early spring (January–February before bloom), late spring (May), and early summer (June)—to support vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development without encouraging tender growth late in the season. Use a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer such as a slow-release 6-4-6, 8-8-8, or 13-13-13 formula (or organic equivalents enriched with micronutrients like magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese); apply according to tree size and label rates, watering deeply afterward, and avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter to prevent cold damage.