Growing the Honey Tangerine Plant

The Mediterranean group of mandarins, which includes the honey tangerine plant, is one of the most popular varieties among citrus enthusiasts. This type of mandarin tree is characterized by its small, willow-shaped leaves and yellowish-orange fruit that matures in October-November.

One of the distinguishing features of the honey tangerine plant is its thin rind and flesh color. The fruit itself is medium-sized, oblate, with a short collar and furrowed neck on the stem end. This variety is often referred to as 'Willowleaf' or 'Mediterranean' due to its Mediterranean origins in Italy.

When growing honey tangerine plants, it's essential to provide adequate protection from cold weather. While trees will offer some additional cold protection, they can also compete with other plants for light, water, and nutrients, which can reduce tree growth, production, and fruit quality. In the home landscape, mandarins should be planted on the south or southeast side of the house for maximum protection.

Smaller trees are more easily protected during severe freezes, but they may also produce fewer fruits. Trifoliate orange is a popular rootstock in Texas, particularly in the Carrizo Springs area, as it provides additional cold hardiness and well-drained soils. However, trifoliate orange is not suitable for areas with saline conditions or alkaline soils.

Mandarins are adaptable to all well-drained soils in virtually all of Texas along and south of U.S. Highway 90 from Del Rio to Orange. They require protection during severe freezes, which can be essential for successful mandarin production. Few orchards remain today, but interest in mandarins remains strong.

In southeast Texas, satsumas were once fairly common until the severe freezes of the 1980s. Today, small orchards of tangerines and mandarins are still grown in the region. Mandarins are among the most cold-hardy citrus fruits, being second only to kumquats. They are grown worldwide, although best color and quality usually occurs under subtropical conditions.

Mandarins tend to alternate bearing, with a heavy crop one year followed by a lighter crop the next season. They are self-pollinated and self-fruitful, but some hybrids may be self-incompatible and require the presence of suitable pollinators. To avoid limb breakage due to heavy fruit loads, some sort of support is recommended.

Most mandarin trees exhibit a more erect habit than other citrus trees, with many displaying a drooping habit due to their long, willowy branches. Overall, the honey tangerine plant is a popular and rewarding variety for gardeners and citrus enthusiasts alike.

Honey tangerine plant