The mandarin, Latin Citrus reticulata, is one of the oldest and most authentic citrus species. Many other citrus plants that are very popular today (such as the orange) emerged from the tangerine. The mandarin tree has been cultivated for many thousands of years and probably originally comes from southwest China.
How to plant a tangerine tree?
To plant a tangerine tree, choose a sunny location without drafts and plant it in a large container with slightly acidic, well-drained substrate. Young plants should be repotted every two to three years.
Mandarin tree or tangerine bush?
The tangerine can be grown as a small tree or as a bush. The plant grows much bushier than other types of citrus (such as lemon or orange) and does not grow as tall. A tangerine tree can reach a height of around two meters. This makes the tangerine ideal for keeping in a container.
What location does the tangerine need?
Tangerines, like all types of citrus, love as much sun as possible. From June until September, the tree can stand on the balcony or terrace. But be careful: the tangerine does not tolerate drafts.
Planting / Sowing
Mandarins are also very sensitive to cold, which is why they should not be planted outdoors in Germany. It is best to keep them in a sufficiently large container and leave them outdoors during the summer.
Transplanting
If you don't move the tangerine too often, you'll put it under stress - the sensitive tree doesn't like that at all. Young plants should be repotted every two or three years, older plants less frequently.
Substrate
Like all types of citrus, the mandarin also needs slightly acidic, permeable soil. A special citrus soil (€7.00 at Amazon) works well, but you can also mix (germ-free) garden soil with a little peat and expanded clay.
Propagate
Mandarins are propagated via seeds or cuttings. To propagate seeds, let the seeds air dry for about a week and then plant them in a cultivation container with appropriate soil. The potty should be bright and warm.
Planting time
Repotting or potting seedlings should always be done in spring.
Flowering time / harvest time
With good care and appropriate conditions, the tangerine blooms several times a year and also produces fruit. The plant needs an average of four to five months from flowering to fruit ripening.
Tips & Tricks
The tangerine tree does not like large temperature fluctuations. In such cases, the tree tends to react by dropping its leaves. Therefore, look for a protected and, if possible, covered corner in the garden or balcony where the tangerine can stand in full sun and fresh air without being completely at the mercy of the elements.
