Mandarin fruit CItrus reticulata

Credit: Forrest and Kim Starr

Mature mandarin fruit tree in the ground

Credit: Forrest and Kim Starr

White mandarin flower Citrus reticulata

Credit: KHQ Flower Guide

Mandarin flesh and seeds

Credit: Bicanski

Mandarin, the fruit tree turned ornamental shrub

The mandarin tree, Citrus reticulata, takes its name from the color of its fruit, similar to that of the silk robes worn by high-ranking officials known as mandarins. Cultivated in China, Vietnam and the Philippines for centuries, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the Portuguese introduced this variety of the Rutaceae family to Europe. Although the mandarin tree is gradually being replaced by clementine in orchards, it remains a highly appreciated ornamental shrub.

How to recognize the mandarin tree, Citrus reticulata?

The mandarin tree, Citrus reticula, is a compact shrub as wide as it is tall. When fully mature, it can grow to between three and five meters in all directions. The crown is ball-shaped. Highly branched, it is made up of slightly thorny branches.

The branches are covered with evergreen foliage. The smooth, lanceolate, alternate leaves are four to eight centimetres long. When crumpled, the leaf blades give off a tangy scent.

In mild climates, particularly around the Mediterranean, Citrus reticulata blooms in winter. Elsewhere, you'll have to wait until spring to see the two- to four-centimetre-long white flowers. Their fragrance attracts pollinators.

The fruit of the mandarin tree resembles that of the orange tree, only smaller. Mandarins are orange spheres, flattened at the tip, five to eight centimetres in diameter. Each one is divided into quarters and contains numerous seeds. This characteristic has earned them the dislike of gourmands, who prefer clementines.

Unlike other citrus fruits, mandarin flesh is not acidic. Sweet and fragrant, it can be eaten unprepared or used to make desserts and savoury dishes. The peel and skin can also be processed to make juices and liqueurs. Rich in vitamin C, the fruit is also said to have antiseptic and tonic properties.

Our maintenance tips

Maintaining a Citrus reticulata is not difficult. Above all, you need to protect it from frost in winter and provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow. With the right potting soil and regular fertilizing, you'll soon be enjoying your own citrus fruits.

Mandarin trees citrus trees need regular watering all year round. During hot spells, water early in the morning or in the evening. Water evaporates less quickly, and your shrub benefits from it for longer.

Watering

Water your Mandarin when the soil surface is at least three centimetres dry.

Use non-calcareous water at room temperature, such as rainwater.

After 20 minutes, empty the planter or saucer. Stagnant water can rot the roots.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Citrus reticulata to give it more space.

When roots protrude from the pot or are visible on the surface, it's time to repot!

To prepare your Citrus reticulata for repotting, soak the root ball. Then gently loosen the root ball.

Choose a terracotta pot or a wooden tub. Both materials encourage water evaporation and reduce the risk of over-watering. Make sure the container is perforated to allow water to drain away.

At the bottom, place a bed of clay balls or gravel to facilitate drainage.

Top up with a rich substrate, such as special citrus or planting soil. You can make your own mixture with :

one-third planting soil
one-third garden soil
pozzolan.

Place your shrub in the center. The surface of the rootball should be two centimetres below the rim of the pot. Fill with substrate and tamp to eliminate air bubbles. When planting, do not bury the collar.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Citrus reticulata, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Mandarin trees are greedy plants. They need to be fertilized. Feed yours with a special liquid or granulated citrus fertilizer.

Cleaning

Dust prevents the plant from photosynthesizing. Clean the leaves of your Mandarin with a soft, clean cloth.

Harvest

Harvesting takes place when the fruit has taken on its final color and can be easily detached from the branch.

Prune

Size is not essential. It only helps to control shape and development and improves fruiting. When pruning, always use clean, sharp pruning shears.

Citrus trees flower and fruit on the year's wood. To maintain the compact, rounded shape of your shrub, remove dead branches and shoots growing along the trunk. You can also aerate the center by removing some shoots that have already borne fruit in previous years.

If you want to improve your harvest, you can also carry out a fruiting pruning operation: one month after the appearance of a new shoot, prune it back to a height of 20 centimetres.

Pinch

Pinch your Citrus reticulata during its growing season.

Pinching improves branching. When new leaves appear, take them between your fingers. Section the leaf with your fingernails.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Find them a place sheltered from the wind and isolated from other plants. Citrus plants have shallow roots and don't like to share their space.

Dig a hole 70 centimetres wide and 1 metre in diameter. While you're at it, soak the root ball.

Plant the plant in the middle, with the top of the rootball level with the ground. Take care not to bury the collar.

Mandarin trees plants thrive in light, well-drained, rich soil. When filling in, add potting soil or citrus soil to your garden soil. Tamp and water.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Rutaceae - Rutaceae
Type	Citrus - Citrus
Species	Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Shrub Fruit tree
Tag	Edible fruit
Origins	East Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	8b
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color