The tangerine, Latin Citrus reticulata, is one of the oldest and most natural citrus species. Many other citrus plants that are very popular today (such as the orange) have evolved from the tangerine. The tangerine tree has been cultivated for many thousands of years and probably originally comes from southwest China.

Mandarin tree or mandarin bush?

The tangerine can be grown both as a small tree and as a bush. The plant grows significantly bushier than other citrus species (such as lemon or orange) and is not as tall. A tangerine tree can reach a height of about two meters. Because of this, the tangerine is ideal for keeping in a bucket.

What location does the tangerine need?

Like all types of citrus, tangerines love full sun. From June to September, the tree can stand on the balcony or terrace. But be careful: the tangerine does not tolerate drafts.

planting / sowing

In addition, tangerines are very sensitive to cold, which is why they should not be planted outdoors in Germany. They are best kept in a sufficiently large container and left outside during the summer.

transplant

Don't replant the tangerine too often, you 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 citrus species, the tangerine also needs slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Special citrus soil works well, but you can also mix (germ-free) garden soil with some peat and expanded clay (€19.73).

multiply

Mandarins are propagated from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, allow the seeds to air dry for about a week and then plant them in a seed tray with appropriate soil. The potty should be bright and warm.

planting time

Repotting or repotting of seedlings should ideally always be done in spring.

Flowering time / harvest time

With good care and the right conditions, the tangerine will bloom several times a year and also produce fruit. From flowering to fruit ripening, the plant needs an average of four to five months.

tips and tricks

The tangerine tree does not like large temperature fluctuations. In such cases, the tree likes to react by dropping leaves. Therefore, look for a sheltered and if possible covered corner in the garden or balcony where the tangerine can stand in full sun and in the fresh air without being completely at the mercy of the elements.

IJA

Category:

Vegetable garden