Growing a mandarin tree from seed is a common gardening project. While it is possible to sprout a seed, the resulting tree may not produce fruit identical to the parent, as citrus grown from seed is often not “true to type” due to genetic variation. Furthermore, the tree will require a wait of five to ten years before it is mature enough to bear fruit. Successfully starting this journey requires careful attention to seed preparation, correct conditions for sprouting, and consistent care for the young seedling.
Preparing Mandarin Seeds for Planting
Select plump, healthy seeds directly from a ripe mandarin fruit, avoiding any that appear shriveled or immature. Removing the surrounding fruit pulp is important because the sugary residue can encourage mold or fungal growth once the seed is planted. A gentle rinse under cool running water will adequately clean the seeds.
Soaking the cleaned seeds for approximately 24 hours in warm water helps soften the hard outer seed coat, allowing moisture to penetrate and encouraging germination. While removing the outer casing can speed up germination, soaking is generally the safer preparation method as it reduces the risk of the seed rotting from mold. Mandarin seeds do not require cold stratification and can be planted immediately after preparation.
Germination Techniques and Initial Potting
Plant the prepared seeds directly into a small pot filled with a light, well-draining citrus or seed-starting mix, such as peat and perlite. Adequate drainage is necessary to prevent soggy conditions, which could lead to rot. Plant the seeds shallowly, covering them with only about a half-inch of the planting medium.
An alternative method involves placing the seeds between two layers of moist paper towel sealed inside a plastic bag or container. This technique allows for visual confirmation of sprouting and helps select the most vigorous seeds before transferring them to soil. Regardless of the method chosen, warmth is required for successful germination, with an ideal temperature range between 70°F and 85°F.
A small greenhouse effect can be created by covering the planted pot with clear plastic wrap or by placing the container on a seedling heat mat. This covering maintains high humidity and consistent warmth to accelerate the process. Germination time can vary, but sprouts may begin to emerge anywhere from two weeks to a month after planting.
Nurturing the Young Mandarin Seedling
As soon as the shoot breaks the soil surface, the seedling requires immediate access to light. Mandarin seedlings thrive in bright, indirect light, such as a south-facing windowsill, or under a dedicated grow light for 12 to 16 hours daily. Maintaining a consistent warm temperature and avoiding cold drafts is important for the initial growth phase.
The soil must be kept consistently moist, but never waterlogged, as excess moisture can quickly cause root rot. Water thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Fertilization should begin gently only after the seedling has developed its second set of true leaves, using a diluted, liquid citrus-specific fertilizer.
The initial small container will only serve the seedling for a short period, as citrus develops a deep taproot-like structure early in its life. The young plant will need to be moved to a larger pot when it appears to be root-bound or when its canopy size significantly outgrows the diameter of its current container. When transplanting, handle the delicate roots with care to prevent damage.