Mandarin Trees

Growing Guide, Care and Best Varieties

Mandarin Trees or Citrus reticulata are a relatively small growing citrus grown for the small sweet fruit. With many varieties available for sale a few of the more popular include the Imperial mandarine and Emporer both with easy to peel skins.

 Imperial being early fruiting and Emperor more of a mid season tree. Other popular varieties include Ellendale and Honey Murcott

Quick Facts

How To Grow Mandarin Trees

Like most citrus trees Mandarin Trees prefer a sunny position in a well drained but moist soil. Mandarin trees can be grown in pots and containers.

A regular feed with a specialist citrus fertilizer will be sufficient , keep moist but not wet.

Care and Growing Details

• Position: Full Sun and a frost free position.
• Soil: Humus rich well drained.
• Watering: Mandarin Trees like a consistently moist, but not wet and soggy soil. Always allow the soil to dry a little between waterings.
• Fertiliser: A general purpose citruc tree fertiliser applied nin early spring is best.
• Mulch: Mulch is you friend, apply a layer of mulch each spring to maintain a cool moist root run.
• Pruning: Very little pruning is required, remove any dead or damaged wood as it appears.
• Root System: They have a shallow root system so avoid digging beneath the tree and avoid root competition.

Planting Mandarin Trees

Choose a planting position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Improve heavier soils with compost before planting and ensure drainage is adequate.

When planting:

1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
2. Position the tree at the same depth it was growing in the nursery pot.
3. Backfill with improved soil.
4. Water thoroughly.
5. Apply mulch around the root zone while keeping it away from the trunk.

Because citrus have relatively shallow root systems, avoid digging beneath established trees.

Growing Mandarins in Pots

Many mandarin varieties perform exceptionally well in containers.

This makes them excellent fruit trees for small gardens, courtyards and patios.

For container growing:

• Use a premium quality citrus potting mix.
• Choose a large container with good drainage.
• Water more regularly than garden-grown trees.
• Feed with a specialised citrus fertiliser.

Imperial Mandarin and Satsuma varieties are particularly well suited to pot culture.

When to pick mandarins

Wait to pick mandarins until they have mostly turned orange with just a hint of green. Don’t leave them on the tree after this as they loose their sweetness and start to sour.

Mandarine Varieties available for sale.

For the home garden the Emperor mandarin is one of the best we have seen, it seems to fruit over a longer period.  This is a very good tree for a longer supply of fruit. Try to find a position in full sun and with protection from cold winds and frosts for best results.

Looking for something different ? Try the ‘dekopon’ or ‘sumo citrus’ mandarin. (Pictured Right) Developed in Japan and only recently arrived in Australia . The Depekon is not readily available in retail nurseries yet, it is seedless and easy to peel.

• ‘Emperor’ has a pale orange skin that is easy to peel, great flavour and sweet especially early season and mid season, late season fruit tends to be a little dry. Loose skin that is very easy to peel.
• ‘Imperial’ Another ‘easy peel’ variety that is early season.
• ‘Satsuma Miho’ (Citrus unshiu ‘Miho’ ). Extra early, very sweet easy peeling smallish fruit from this slow growing variety. A great tree for smaller yards and can be grown in a pot or container.
• Mandarin Satsuma Okitsu Wase. Another excellent early variety, read about Mandarin Satsuma Okitsu Wase
• Honey Murcott is a variety that fruits late in the season, good taste and very sweet fruit, thin skin and a few pips, and not as easy to peel as others.

Mandarin Variety Comparison

WHERE TO BUY

BLERICK TREE FARM 
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service. 
www.blericktreefarm.com.au

For Mandarin Trees for sale in QLD try the following nurseries

ROSS EVANS GARDEN CENTRE- phone: 0488 010 656
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges. 
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au