🍊 Mandarin Tree: Growing Guide
Mandarin Tree (Citrus reticulata) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 0–38 °C (32–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 300 cm (118 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Citrus reticulata |
|---|---|
| Category | Citrus |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 300 cm (118 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 0–38 °C (32–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 200–400 cm (79–157 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Nov.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Growing tips
Clementine and Satsuma. Hardier in the cold than orange.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Mandarin Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Mandarin Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering, good drainage.
Mandarin Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 300 cm (118 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Mandarin Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Mandarin Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Lavender.
Mandarin Tree: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Scab.
Plan your garden
Add Mandarin Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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