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Satsuma Mandarin / Tangerine Tree Information & Care
Satsuma Mandarin trees are evergreen and grown in Standard and Semi-Dwarf forms. The Standard tree has a single trunk with a canopy that starts a few feet from the ground. Semi-dwarf trees are "topped" when young to promote their side branches to grow like a bush. Both are great for pots! Select a standard or semi-dwarf if you prefer a traditional umbrella shape tree. Select a semi-dwarf if you would like a shorter tree with a canopy close to the ground.
Although a citrus tree can grow over 20 feet tall, most prune to keep them short. Therefore, many grow mandarin trees 9 – 15 feet tall. When it comes to spacing, plant citrus trees as close as 9 feet apart. Provide more space to allow for larger growth. The mandarin tree is a great choice for the home garden. Its small size will serve as a beautiful ornamental, as well as provide many fruits.
How To Plant, Water, and Fertilize A Mandarin Citrus Tree
Plant a mandarin tree in the full sun. Amends with high-quality planting mix and fertilizer in soil that drains well. Water a newly planted mandarin tree twice per week during the Spring through Summer. Water once per week in the Fall and Winter, while the weather is cool. Consequently, trees in hot climates or sandy soils may need water more frequently.
Spring is the most important time to fertilize a citrus tree. Use citrus food fertilizer with a 2-1-1 NPK ratio in the Spring through Summer. To promote growth, there is twice as much nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium. Blood meal and manure are great organic sources of Nitrogen. Use a fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium like bone meal fertilizer during the Winter to promote flowers and fruit.
The mandarin tree has few pests and problems. They are less attractive to birds and animals like squirrels than deciduous fruits.
The Satsuma mandarin tree does great in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
Paradise Nursery Mandarin Tree Care Guide
Water mandarin trees about 2 - 3 times per week depending on the soil, season, conditions, and plant health. Reduce irrigation frequency in the Winter and increase in the Summer.
Fertilize mandarin trees with citrus food seasonally. However, the most important time to fertilize your mandarin trees is the Spring and Summer.
Pruning mandarin trees in the Winter when the weather is cooler. Thin your mandarin trees in the Spring and Summer.
Please note Paradise Nursery's is available to provide home orchard services for our customers in Los Angeles County.