The California Honey Mandarin tree is a popular choice for home gardeners. This sweet-flavored mandarin adapts well to various climates and can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Understanding the California Honey Mandarin
The California Honey Mandarin tree (Citrus reticulata ‘California Honey’) is compact, typically growing 8 to 12 feet tall, suitable for smaller spaces or containers. It develops a vigorous, rounded canopy with lush evergreen foliage, providing year-round visual interest. In spring, the tree produces fragrant white blossoms that attract pollinators. It is self-pollinating, so a single tree can produce fruit.
The fruit is small to medium-sized, dark orange, and easy to peel. While often described as “seedless,” the California Honey Mandarin may contain some seeds. Its flavor is notably sweet, often described as honey-sweet with hints of cinnamon and a slight tang, distinguishing it from other mandarin varieties. This makes it a favored choice for snacking and culinary uses.
Ideal Growing Conditions and Planting
California Honey Mandarin trees thrive with ample sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. Full sun is recommended for optimal growth. They prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If soil is heavy or clay-based, incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and texture.
When planting, dig a hole slightly shallower than the root ball and twice its width. A small soil mound in the hole’s center aids drainage. Place the tree on this mound, with the root ball’s top 1 to 2 inches above ground. Backfill with amended soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle.
If planting multiple trees, space them at least 9 to 10 feet apart. For containers, choose a pot at least 18-24 inches in diameter with drainage holes and use a well-draining citrus potting mix.
Essential Care Practices
Water consistently, especially during the establishment period. In the first year, water deeply every 7-10 days to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For mature trees, allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings, adjusting frequency based on weather and soil type. Container-grown trees may require more frequent watering as their soil tends to dry faster. Watering in early morning or late afternoon reduces water loss through evaporation.
Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and fruit production. During the growing season (spring through summer), feed your mandarin tree with a balanced citrus fertilizer. High-nitrogen fertilizers are beneficial in spring and summer; higher phosphorus and potassium can be applied in winter to encourage flowering and fruiting. Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks, or 3-4 times annually, following product recommendations.
Pruning is generally minimal for this variety, but it can be done to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches. This tree is relatively resistant to common pests and diseases, but monitor for issues like aphids or spider mites.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Mandarins
Harvest California Honey Mandarins when their skin is fully orange and they feel slightly soft to the touch. Unlike some other citrus, mandarins do not sweeten significantly after picking, so harvest at peak color for optimal taste. Harvesting season is winter to early spring, generally November to April.
To harvest, use secateurs or snips to clip the short stem close to the fruit, to avoid damaging the fruit or tree. Pulling fruit can injure the tree and reduce storage life. Their easy-to-peel nature and distinct sweet flavor make them excellent for fresh eating. They are also well-suited for juicing, adding a unique honeyed and spicy note to beverages. They are flavorful in salads, desserts, and savory dishes like mandarin orange chicken.