Citrus reticulata
Family: Rutaceae
Common Name: Tangerine

Mandarins make excellent home garden trees as they are smaller than some other citrus and often foliaged almost to the ground. They produce a round, orange-coloured fruit with sweet pulp and thin skin. While the fruit is mostly eaten fresh, it does have a place in the kitchen alongside other citrus, particularly in sweets.

Varieties

Citrus reticulata is a small tree, to about 3 m (10 ft), with quite narrow leaves and slightly winged leaf stalks. 'Satsuma' orange is a Japanese cultivar grown commercially. There are many cultivars from which to choose. Fruit flavor and time of maturity varies greatly. The cultivars `Clementine', 'Dancy', 'Kara' and 'Kinnow' are well known.

Cultivation

Mandarins are frost-tender but are hardier than other citrus and take some frost. However, where frosts are severe, grow in a cool, airy greenhouse or conservatory in pots or tubs of soil-based potting compost, with good light, but shade from direct sun. Plants can be stood outside for the summer. In the garden, mandarins need a sheltered spot with full sun, and well-drained, acid to neutral soil.

Climate

Warmer parts of zone 9.