Position –
The mandarin naartjie tree thrives in hot, humid conditions and full sun. The fruits have a thin skin and are susceptible to cold and frost. Plant your trees about 3.5 to 5 metres apart to allow for their canopy to spread.
Size
Depending on the soil, climate conditions and care, your mandarin orange tree can grow to a height between 3.5 and 7.5 metres tall.
Soil Type
Naartjie trees need well-draining, healthy sandy soil with a slightly acidic soil. If your soil’s drainage isn’t optimal, plant on a bit of a mound so the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Mulch
This tree thrives with a layer of mulch protecting its roots from drying out. Organic mulches—like pine needles, leaves, and bark chips—work very well.
Watering
Your tree needs to be well watered for the best fruits. In summer and spring, increase your watering so that the tree doesn’t dry out in the heat.
Fertilising
To get the most out of your Mandarin naartjie tree, feed it with fertiliser in spring and summer. If the leaves start to yellow, your plant may not have enough magnesium. Apply a little Epsom salts to the tree’s drip line (where the leaves extend their reach). Apply slow-release citrus fertiliser during the harvest season and repeat after the fruiting period. Utilising our slow-release fertiliser is a must for citrus; even though it is called berry fertiliser it is for all plants/trees.
Pruning
You may decide to prune your tree if you need to keep its spread under control, prefer it in a certain shape, or have diseased or dead branches that are sapping it of its vital energy. But, it’s also important not to cut it unnecessarily, especially while it is still young.
Pest and Disease Management:
It is important to watch out for pests like aphids, scale insects, and mites. Remove leaves that are bubbly and dispose of them immediately. We recommend Effective Microorganisms to prevent the spread of these pests and diseases. Hose the tree first, to remove the aphids, and then spray well with EM Control. As they tree grows larger it will be healthy and pests will be a thing of the past.
Harvesting
Pick your mandarins when they have turned from green to a beautiful orange colour all over. Clip or twist them carefully from the tree. If you know rain is coming, take them off before the rain, as this can cause the fruit to spoil.
