If you’re up for the challenge and enjoy the journey, here’s how to grow a mandarin tree from tangerine seeds:
1. Planting & Germination:
- Extract and prepare: Carefully remove plump, brown seeds from a ripe tangerine and wash them thoroughly.
- Stratification: Mimic winter dormancy by placing the seeds in a moist paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerating them for 2-3 months.
- Planting: Fill pots with well-draining potting mix and sow the stratified seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Moisten the soil and maintain consistent moisture.
- Patience: Germination can take several weeks, so be patient!
2. Care & Growth:
- Light: Place the pots in a sunny location and provide at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: Once the seedlings have established themselves, use a balanced fertilizer for citrus plants according to package instructions.
- Repotting: When the roots outgrow the pots, repot them into larger containers with fresh potting mix.
3. Beyond Seedlings:
- Remember the limitations: As mentioned earlier, the fruit quality might not be ideal. Consider grafting the tree later on with a desired mandarin variety for better results and quicker fruiting.
- Long-term care: Provide proper pruning, disease and pest control, and continued care for several years before expecting any fruit.
Alternative for Guaranteed Results:
- Grafting: If you want a specific mandarin variety with guaranteed fruit quality, consider grafting. This involves attaching a bud or stem from the desired variety onto the rootstock of your seedling tree. Grafting takes some skill and specific tools, but it allows you to enjoy the desired mandarins within 3-5 years.
Remember: Growing a mandarin tree from seed is a long-term project with potential for variability. If you prioritize predictability and guaranteed fruit quality, grafting is a better option. However, growing from seed can be a fun learning experience and a journey for patient gardeners!
