Dancy Mandarin / Tangerine Tree Information and Care
Our Dancy Mandarin tree is grown in standard, semi-dwarf, and dwarf form. The semi-dwarf and standard citrus tree has a single trunk and branch out to form a canopy. Dwarf citrus are topped low, as a result grow as a bush. These are great for pots! 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 fruit.
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 humus or bone meal 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.
The Dancy mandarin tree does great in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties.