How to Grow Mandarin

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Mandarin is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Mandarin in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the mandarin page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Owari Satsuma, Cold-hardy, easy-peel, seedless (certified citrus nurseries)
• Sunburst, Sweet Florida tangerine (certified citrus nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 400 cm (157 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 20 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 15 L per plant every 5 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 50cm+ (dwarf varieties).

Pests & problems

Watch for Citrus gall wasp, Bronze orange bug and Scale. In humid regions, Root rot and Melanose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Mandarin is usually ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant mandarin where you garden.

See also: Mandarin in the plant library →

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