The tangerine tree (Citrus reticulata) is a popular species known for its sweet, easy-to-peel fruit. Its ultimate size is highly variable, depending on the specific cultivar, the type of rootstock used for grafting, and environmental conditions. Understanding these variables is the first step in managing the tree’s size, whether the goal is a large, high-yielding orchard tree or a compact patio plant.
Typical Dimensions of a Mature Tangerine Tree
The size of a mature tangerine tree is primarily categorized into two growth forms: standard and dwarf. A standard-sized tree, when grown in the ground, typically reaches 15 to 25 feet at maturity. These trees develop a broad, rounded canopy that can spread 10 to 20 feet, requiring significant space. Standard trees generally take five to seven years to begin yielding a substantial crop.
In contrast, a dwarf tangerine tree is significantly smaller, making it a popular choice for home gardens and small spaces. When planted in the ground, these trees usually mature to a manageable height of 6 to 10 feet. Dwarf varieties are created by grafting the fruiting wood onto a size-controlling rootstock. They still produce full-sized fruit, but their smaller stature allows for easier harvesting and maintenance.
A semi-dwarf category also exists, representing a middle ground between the two main types. These trees typically grow to heights between 12 and 15 feet. Regardless of the final size class, a grafted tangerine tree begins to produce fruit relatively quickly, often within two to three years of planting. Physical maturity, where the tree’s growth rate slows considerably, is generally reached in five years or more.
Key Variables Affecting Tree Growth
The inherent genetic makeup of the tree, specifically the cultivar, is a primary determinant of its eventual size and vigor. Some varieties, like the ‘Dancy’ tangerine, are naturally more vigorous and tend toward the larger end of the standard size range. Other cultivars, such as the ‘Kishu Mandarin’, possess a more compact growth habit.
The most powerful tool used to control the tree’s final size is the selection of the rootstock, the root system onto which the fruiting variety is grafted. Using a dwarfing rootstock, such as ‘Flying Dragon’ trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa), can reduce the size of the entire tree by approximately half. This dwarfing effect occurs because the rootstock restricts the transport of water, nutrients, and growth hormones to the upper part of the tree.
Beyond genetics, environmental factors like soil quality and sunlight availability influence the tree’s overall vigor and size. Tangerines require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to support robust growth. Planting in poor, shallow, or overly wet soil will significantly stunt the tree’s growth, preventing it from reaching its genetic potential.
Strategies for Controlling Tree Size
Active management through pruning is the most common technique for keeping a tangerine tree within desired dimensions, especially for standard varieties. Pruning should be performed lightly but regularly, ideally after harvest but before the new growth flush begins in the spring. This practice focuses on thinning cuts that remove the tallest, most upright branches to encourage a compact and spreading shape.
When removing larger branches, the three-cut system is used to prevent the bark from tearing down the trunk, which can create a wound that invites disease. Avoid removing more than 15 to 20 percent of the tree’s canopy in any single year. Overly severe pruning can expose the mature bark to intense sunlight, leading to sunscald.
Growing a tangerine tree in a container is an effective method for naturally limiting its size. The restricted volume of the pot limits the root system, which in turn limits the canopy growth above. This technique maintains the tree at a small, easily managed size, typically between six and eight feet tall, making it suitable for patios or indoor environments. Container-grown trees require repotting every two to four years to refresh the soil and move up one pot size, ensuring roots have enough room to continue healthy growth.