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Fruit & Citrus

Clementine Mandarin Tree

4.8/5 25 reviews

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 8-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.

Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight: Full Sun
Water: When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size: Moderate growth rate; mature height of 8-10 feet and width of 6-8 feet, but can be kept smaller with pruning, especially when grown in containers.

Sizing: Our fruit and citrus trees are primarily utilized as outdoor patio or indoor plants and are potted. Accordingly, we measure our fruit and citrus trees from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree for accuracy.
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata 'Clementine'
Hardiness: Zones 8-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–7 if overwintered indoors.
Tolerates: Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant

USDA zone map for Clementine Mandarin Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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Size guide & what arrives

Size Facts

*Trade size	**Pot size
1 gallon	6"
3 gallon	8 to 10"
5 gallon	10 to 12"
7 gallon	14"
10 gallon	15 to 17"
15 gallon	17"
"Jumbo"	7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons.

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.

Please note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our sizing guide.

What arrives

Good to know

This tree may need extra care during colder months to protect it from frost and ensure it continues to produce sweet, juicy mandarins.

*We cannot guarantee the Clementine Mandarin Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the overall growth pattern.

What customers are saying

4.8

out of 5 · 25 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Fruit you grow yourself

Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.

Grows in a pot

Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.

Fragrant blooms

White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.

Healthy, well-rooted trees

Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.

Care made simple

If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.

Sun

6–8 hrs direct

A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.

Water

When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.

Feed

3 times a year

Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.

Cold

Inside below 32°F

Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.

Your first year together

1Day 1
Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.
2First few weeks
A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.
3Month 3
First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.
4Spring
Fragrant white blooms.
5Harvest season
Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.

Planting instructions

Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Plant the tree, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. For container planting, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and use a well-draining citrus potting mix.

Watering & sunlight

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 2 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Clementine Mandarin Tree requires full sun to produce the best fruit yield.

Pruning, feeding & winter care

PRUNING:
Light pruning may be necessary to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning also encourages better air circulation and sunlight penetration.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In Zones below 9, protect the tree from frost by bringing container-grown plants indoors or using frost protection methods for in-ground trees.

Shipping & what's inside

Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.

1-year guarantee

Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts

How big does the Clementine Mandarin tree get?

The Clementine Mandarin tree typically grows to a mature height of 8 to 10 feet with a spread of 6 to 8 feet when planted in the ground. When grown in containers, it tends to stay smaller, usually reaching 4 to 6 feet in height. Regular pruning can help manage its size and shape, especially if space is limited or if you prefer a more compact tree.

How fast does the Clementine Mandarin tree grow?

The Clementine Mandarin tree has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 12 to 24 inches per year under optimal conditions. Factors such as sunlight, soil quality, watering, and overall care influence its growth rate. Ensure the tree receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to promote healthy and consistent growth.

Where is the best place to plant the Clementine Mandarin tree?

The best place to plant the Clementine Mandarin tree is in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot with well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensure the area is sheltered from strong winds and has good air circulation. If you live in a region with cold winters, consider planting the tree in a container that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures. Proper planting ensures healthy growth and abundant fruit production.

Can I plant the Clementine Mandarin tree in a pot?

Yes, you can plant the Clementine Mandarin tree in a pot. The Clementine Mandarin Tree arrives in a 3-gallon nursery pot (about 11 inches wide and tall). We recommend planting it in a container that is at least 16–24 inches wide and deep to support healthy root growth and long-term container success. Be sure the pot has drainage holes, as citrus trees do not tolerate sitting in excess moisture. Place the pot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Container growing is ideal for climates with cold winters, as you can move the tree indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Do you need to Clementine Mandarin trees to produce fruit?

No, you do not need multiple Clementine Mandarin trees to produce fruit. Clementine Mandarin trees are self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit on its own. However, planting multiple trees can increase fruit yield due to cross-pollination, which can enhance the overall fruit set. Ensure the tree receives adequate sunlight, water, and care for the best fruit production.

How long does it take for the Clementine Mandarin tree to bear fruit?

The Clementine Mandarin tree typically begins to bear fruit within 2 to 3 years after planting. However, optimal fruit production usually occurs after 4 to 5 years. Ensure the tree receives full sun, regular watering, and proper fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

When does the Clementine Mandarin tree bloom?

The Clementine Mandarin tree typically blooms in late winter to early spring. The fragrant white blossoms appear before the tree begins to produce fruit, which usually ripens in late fall to early winter. Proper care, including adequate sunlight, watering, and fertilization, can help ensure a healthy bloom and abundant fruit set.

What is the coldest temperature the Clementine Mandarin tree can tolerate?

The Clementine Mandarin tree can tolerate temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below this threshold can damage or kill the tree. To protect your tree during colder weather, consider using frost blankets, mulching, or moving potted trees indoors if you live in a region prone to freezing temperatures.

Do I need to winterize the Clementine Mandarin tree?

Yes, it's important to winterize the Clementine Mandarin tree if you live in an area where temperatures drop below 25°F (-4°C). To protect your tree, you can:

Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to insulate the roots.
Wrap: Use frost blankets or burlap to wrap the tree, especially if a hard freeze is expected.
Watering: Water the tree well before a freeze, as hydrated soil retains heat better than dry soil.
Container Trees: Move potted trees indoors or to a sheltered location during cold snaps.

Proper winterizing helps ensure your tree survives the cold weather and continues to thrive.

Do I need to prune the Clementine Mandarin tree?

Yes, pruning is beneficial for the Clementine Mandarin tree. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain tree health. Thin out the interior branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which promotes better fruit production. Regular pruning also helps maintain the tree's shape and size, making it easier to harvest the fruit.

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