Mandarins have been cultivated in south-eastern Asia for over 4000 years! Clementine or Mandarin Oranges are produced as a small sub-tropical tree. They are one of the most cold-hardy plants of this genus.

Growing Clementine mandarins in containers is essential in Britain as they have to be brought into a greenhouse or conservatory during cold weather where they can tolerate winter temperatures down to 7*C (45*F) A fleece is also essential for those who do not have a heated greenhouse. (It has been reported that they can survive in the cold up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit but I wouldn’t risk it.)

Clementines have bright glossy evergreen leaves and are very ornamental. Lovely fragrant white flowers come in late spring but most often tend to flower later, sometimes with the fruit developing at the same time which takes many months to ripen. The fruit is virtually seedless, easy to peel and with a delicious flavour. They need full sunlight and a sheltered position, and it is important that the container is a decent size in respect to that of the Clementine and has good drainage.

Care:

Water freely in summer, in winter allow surface to partially dry before watering. Overwatering in winter is a common problem so err on the dry side. They need citrus fertilizer approximately once a month and depending on temperature and humidity they should be watered about twice a week.

Repot plants annually, generally in March or replace top 5cm (2in) of old soil with fresh compost, John Innes No 2 is best and try adding some sharp sand or grit. Citrus are hungry plants and need regular feeding. Use Citrus summer feed from late March to October then switch to winter feed. Mist the leaves in the winter as this helps with pollination and works towards bug prevention. Use Biological controls to help prevent bugs and other bad insects.

Prune:

Citrus require little pruning but one can reshape plants in February by thinning out overcrowded branches. If they have become too leggy prune back by up to two-thirds and the tallest branch can be cut back to encourage a more bushy shape and growth. During the summer, pinch back the tips of the more vigorous growth with your thumb and forefinger.

Mature Plants: 

May produce unwanted fast-growing shoots called ‘water shoots’. You do not want these, remove when they appear from the main branches at the bottom up to middle of the plant and shorten those arising near the branch tips. Be especially watchful for shoots from below the graft of the trunk and remove immediately.

Special features:  Bright glossy evergreen leaves and very ornamental. The fruit is virtually seedless, easy to peel and with a delicious flavour.