How to Grow a Tangerines Tree That Lasts for Decades

Growing your own fruit trees is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences. Imagine plucking a sweet, juicy tangerine from a tree you nurtured from a tiny seed. While it requires patience and care, the results are worth the effort. Tangerines are not just delicious—they are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

Step 1: Preparing the Seeds

How to Grow a Tangerines Tree That Lasts for Decades

Select ripe tangerines and carefully remove the seeds.
Rinse seeds under lukewarm water to remove pulp.
Soak them in water for 24 hours to boost germination.
For best results, plant seeds immediately rather than storing them.

🌱 Tip: Use multiple seeds, as not every seed will germinate successfully.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Soil

Tangerines grow best in well-draining soil.
A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost works well.
The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0).

💡 Personal note: I’ve had the most success with citrus trees when using a mix of potting soil and perlite to improve drainage.

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Step 3: Germination and Planting

Fill a small pot with the prepared soil mix.
Plant each seed about ½ inch deep.
Water lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Cover the pot with plastic wrap to retain humidity.
Place it in a warm location with indirect light.

Within 2–4 weeks, you should see sprouts pushing through the soil.

Step 4: Transplanting Young Plants

Once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, move them into individual pots.

Use larger pots with proper drainage holes.
Place in a spot with 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Keep the soil consistently moist.

Step 5: Fertilizing for Growth

Here’s a critical tip: tangerine trees grown in a pot need to be fertilized at least twice a year.

Use a citrus-specific fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium.
Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it may burn the roots.

📌 Pro Tip: For potted plants, liquid fertilizers often give quicker results than granular ones.

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Step 6: Watering Routine

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Avoid waterlogging as citrus roots are prone to rot.

Personal experience: My first tangerine tree died because I watered it too often in winter. Now, I check soil moisture before every watering, and the results have been amazing.

Step 7: Pruning and Maintenance

Prune young trees to encourage branching.
Remove dead or diseased branches regularly.
Keep the canopy open so sunlight reaches all parts of the tree.

Pruning also helps with controlling size and encouraging growth in limited spaces.

Step 8: Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Tangerine trees may face challenges like:

Aphids – treat with neem oil.
Spider mites – mist leaves to increase humidity.
Root rot – ensure good drainage.

Keeping the plant healthy reduces pest risks significantly.

Step 9: Transitioning to Outdoor Growth

If you’re in a warm climate (USDA zones 9–11), you can plant your tangerine tree outdoors once it’s strong enough.

Choose a sunny, wind-protected location.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

In colder climates like Canada, it’s best to keep your tree in pots and bring them indoors during winter.

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Tangerine Tree Care at a Glance

Stage	Requirement	Notes
Seed Germination	Warm, moist soil; ½ inch deep	2–4 weeks
Sunlight	6–8 hours/day	Full sun preferred
Watering	When top inch dries	Reduce in winter
Fertilizing	Twice a year for potted trees	Use citrus fertilizer
Pruning	End of winter or early spring	Control size & shape