Tangerine Trees for Sale Online
The Tangerine Tree (citrus reticulata) is a variety of mandarin that produces small, thin-skinned fruit similar to an orange. Tangerines are an evergreen tree and can grow upwards of 10 to 15 feet, however old trees can reach up to 25 feet tall.
Southern exposure is the best place for planting tangerine trees to allow maximum sunlight and warmer temperatures to protect from frost in the winter months. They need full sun, well-draining soil, and to be planted in early spring to maximize their citrus fruit production. These citrus trees only thrive in hardiness zones 9 through 10, however, they can survive as potted trees as well.
These trees do not provide instant gratification of tangerine fruits, they take between 3 to 4 years to become fruit bearing trees. When the trees do begin to produce fruit, they will typically appear in October or November. Some variants can begin to produce as early as August while others hold off until December.
Planting a Tangerine Tree
The most important factor when deciding where to plant a tangerine tree is if you live in one of the growing zones the tree can survive in. Once you have established the tree can be planted, make sure it is placed in an area that receives 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight each day.
First step to planting the tree is to dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth of the root ball. Loosen any compacted roots from the ball and set the tree in the center of the hole. Next, back-fill the hole until the top inch of the roots are above the soil surface. Water the tree and fill in any are pockets as the soil begins to settle in.
For the first two years, you should water the tree enough to keep the soil moist but not fully wet. In the warmer summer months this could look like 2 to 3 times per week. If the tree is young, water about 12 inches deep near the trunk and over the root zone. As your tree matures, it is best to reduce watering. A good rule of thumb is allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry before watering to a depth of 2 to 3 feet.
Potting a Tangerine Tree
When potting a tangerine tree, it is best to purchase a pot that is large enough to promote growth and allow the roots to expand. A simple rule of thumb is to ensure there are a couple inches of free soil around the root ball in the new pot than there was in the container you purchased it in.
Tangerine trees require a neutral PH soil and most potting soils are already neutral. Be sure to wipe off as much peat around the root ball as you can. Extra peat will cause the potting soil to become too acidic for the tree to handle.
When placing your tree into the pot fill the area around the roots with soil and make sure to set the tree at the same level as it came from the nursery and tamp the soil down well. Tangerine, especially young tangerine trees, need plenty of water as they settle into their new pot. Keep the soil moist, but not wet for a week or two after planting. Continue to water the tree regularly throughout its time potted.
How to Care for a Tangerine Tree
Planted Tangerine Trees
The first spring after planting is the best time to fertilize a tangerine tree. Use a citrus fertilizer and divide the suggested yearly application into thirds. You will fertilize in March, May and June. Instead of applying the fertilizer at the base of the trunk, apply over the root zone for proper fertilization. You should also apply a 2 to 3 inch later of compost mulch beginning 12 inches from the trunk and ending 12 inches past the drip zone each spring.
Pruning tangerine trees is really only done when necessary. Look for dead, damaged, or diseased branches, suckers, and water sprouts. Also look for branches that cross over other branches and prune them. After the last frost of the year begin to prune your tree. To remove whole limbs, make cuts with a pruning saw just outside of the branch collar. To remove partial limbs, cut 6 inches into health wood.
Potted Tangerine Trees
Place your tree in a sunny place in your home to ensure it receives enough direct sunlight. Fertilizing should be done at least twice a year and whenever you see new growth appearing. There is no specific time of year required when potting a tangerine tree, they can be potted any time of the year.
When the weather reaches temperatures about 40 degrees you are in the clear to move the tree to the outdoors. Be cautious about moving the tree outside too quickly, a new microclimate may cause shock and leaves lost. Gradually introduce the tree into the new climate, and this also goes for fall and winter transitions into indoor living.
As the tree grows it is best to repot it every 3 to 4 years. Similar to other house plants, going up one size for the pot should be the perfect size for your growing tree. Keep in mind they take 3 to 4 years to bear fruit, so be patient during its first few years of growth.
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