Tangerine Mandarin Clementine Tree
Sale
Original price
$59.00
Original price
$59.00
-
Original price
$59.00
Original price
$59.00
Current price
$29.00
$29.00
-
$29.00
Current price
$29.00
Taste of the Tangerine Clementine TreeThe Tangerine Clementine Tree, a compact cultivar of the Clementine mandarin (Citrus reticulata 'Clementine'), yields fruit celebrated for its intensely sweet, juicy profile with a subtle tang that sets it apart from more acidic citrus varieties. The deep orange, thin-skinned orbs burst with bright, floral notes and a refreshing citrus aroma, offering minimal bitterness and a honeyed finish that makes them irresistible for snacking, juicing, or desserts. Typically seedless or nearly so, the easy-to-peel segments deliver a uniform sweetness without the variability of other mandarins, earning it the nickname "Christmas orange" for its winter harvest alignment. This delightful balance of flavors, enhanced by high vitamin C content, appeals to all ages, transforming simple fruits into gourmet treats that evoke sunny orchards in every bite.Common Names and OverviewCommonly known as the Clementine Mandarin, Algerian Tangerine, or simply Clementine Tree, this evergreen citrus is a spontaneous hybrid discovered in 19th-century Algeria, blending mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) traits for superior sweetness and ease. It's also referred to as De Nules Mandarin or Clemenules in Spanish growing regions, highlighting its prominence in Mediterranean and California orchards. As a semi-dwarf variety ideal for bush-like forms, it combines ornamental glossy foliage and fragrant spring blooms with prolific fruiting, making it a versatile choice for edible landscapes, hedges, or patios. Gardeners value its self-fertile nature and cold tolerance among citrus, bridging tropical indulgence with practical home cultivation.Best Growing EnvironmentThe Tangerine Clementine Tree excels in subtropical to Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters, favoring sheltered sites that shield it from strong winds while allowing ample airflow to deter fungal issues. It demands well-draining, sandy loam soils enriched with organic matter like compost, maintaining a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 to prevent nutrient lockout and support shallow roots. In arid areas, mulching with organic materials conserves moisture and moderates soil temperature, while raised beds or containers suit urban or clay-heavy soils. This adaptable tree thrives where temperatures hover between 60°F and 90°F, avoiding frost pockets but tolerating brief chills; in pots, it offers mobility for optimal microclimates, yielding bountiful harvests in environments mimicking its North African origins.Average Height and Growth RateThe Tangerine Clementine Tree typically matures to an average height of 8 to 12 feet, with a spread of 6 to 10 feet, forming a rounded, bushy canopy that's well-suited for small yards or containers without overwhelming spaces. Grafted onto semi-dwarf rootstock, it can be pruned to maintain a compact 6 to 8 feet for easier harvesting and aesthetics. The growth rate is moderate, advancing 12 to 24 inches annually under ideal conditions, with slower initial establishment as roots anchor before accelerating into vigorous, upright branches laden with fruit. This steady progression supports reliable blooming in spring and harvest by late fall, making it an efficient choice for quick gratification in home orchards.Sun RequirementsFull sun exposure—delivering 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily—is crucial for the Tangerine Clementine Tree, driving photosynthesis for lush foliage, robust flowering, and the sweetest fruit yields. South- or west-facing positions maximize this need, preventing leggy growth or reduced sweetness from shaded spots, while in scorching climates, light afternoon filtering avoids leaf scorch. Indoors or in containers, supplement with grow lights to mimic these hours, ensuring even ripening and vibrant orange hues. Insufficient light leads to sparse blooms and smaller fruits, underscoring the Trees's reliance on bright, unobstructed rays for peak performance.Cold HardinessThe Tangerine Clementine Tree boasts impressive cold hardiness for a citrus, enduring brief dips to 20°F (-7°C) once established, though young plants fare better above 25°F (-4°C) with protective measures like frost cloth. It's reliably hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, with zone 8b success in sheltered, south-facing locales; prolonged freezes below 15°F can damage buds, but recovery is strong with spring warmth. Mulch roots deeply in marginal areas, and for zones 4 to 7, container growing permits indoor overwintering near sunny windows. This resilience, superior to many citrus, extends its appeal to transitional climates while demanding vigilance against late frosts for optimal fruit set.Water RequirementsConsistent, deep watering sustains the Tangerine Clementine Tree'sshallow roots, aiming for 1 to 2 inches weekly during active growth to keep soil evenly moist without saturation—overwatering invites root rot, while drought stresses fruit quality. Newly planted trees need twice-weekly soakings in the first year, tapering to every 7 to 10 days for matures, always checking 2 inches down for dryness before irrigating. Reduce in winter to half-rates, relying on rainfall, and employ drip systems for precision; mulching retains moisture in heat. Containers dry faster, requiring vigilant monitoring and saucer emptying to prevent standing water, ultimately fostering juicy, well-formed fruits through balanced hydration.Planting Guide
- Select a vigorous, grafted Clementine sapling in spring or fall from a reputable nursery, opting for 1- to 3-gallon sizes with healthy roots and no signs of pests for rapid establishment.
- Choose a full-sun site with well-draining, acidic soil; test pH and amend with sulfur or compost if needed to hit 5.5-6.5.
- Dig a hole three times wider than the root ball but equally deep, spacing trees 8 to 12 feet apart to accommodate mature spread and airflow.
- Gently tease circling roots, position the graft union 1 inch above soil level, and backfill with native soil mixed 50/50 with organic matter, firming to remove air pockets.
- Water deeply post-planting to settle roots, then apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch like wood chips around the base, extending to the drip line but avoiding trunk contact.
- For containers, use a 10- to 15-gallon pot with drainage holes filled with citrus potting mix; place in bright light and water thoroughly initially.
- Monitor transplants for wilting over the first month, providing temporary shade if heat-stressed and staking if windswept.
- Timing: Apply in early spring (February-March) as growth resumes, mid-spring (May) for bloom support, early summer (June) to boost fruit set, and a light fall dose (September) for root health; avoid late-season feeds to prevent tender growth before winter.
- Frequency: Every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (March to September) for young trees, reducing to quarterly for matures to match nutrient demands without excess.
- Specific Recommendations: Use a citrus-specific balanced fertilizer like 8-3-9 or 6-4-6 NPK formulas (e.g., Espoma Citrus-Tone or J.R. Peters Citrus Feed) at half-label rates for starters (1/2 pound per foot of height); incorporate micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese via foliar sprays if leaves yellow, or opt for organics like blood meal for gentle release.
- Application Tips: Broadcast evenly under the canopy to the drip line, then irrigate deeply to activate; conduct annual soil tests to refine needs, and water-soluble options suit containers for quick uptake.