Mandarin tree
Citrus reticulata
Botanical family: Rutaceae
Citrus reticulata, the mandarin, a subtropical Rutaceae probably native to China, and its relatives (the clementine, born from a mandarin seedling in Algeria; the satsuma). Grown outdoors on the Mediterranean coast, above all in Corsica; elsewhere, in a frost-free overwintered pot. Sources: Curk F., Luro F., Minuto G., Nieddu G. (2022), “Les agrumes du Nord de la Méditerranée”, Alain Piazzola and INRAE; Plants For A Future, “Citrus reticulata”.
Full sun, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, light, rather acid to neutral; dislikes chalk and standing water
Regular in season, reduced in winter; never standing water in the saucer
Frost-tender, but the most cold-tolerant of the table citrus (mandarin/clementine ~-5 °C, satsuma noticeably more, ~-8 to -9 °C), open ground in the South of France, otherwise in a tub overwintered away from frost
Protect over winter in your zone
Self-fertile: one tree is enough
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
A small evergreen citrus with intensely fragrant flowering (nectar-bearing flowers), which fruits in the depths of winter, a fresh resource in the lean season. In a cold climate, grown in a large pot brought into a frost-free greenhouse or veranda.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Suppress some soil nematodes (dense planting, before the crop)
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Aromatic: scent said to confuse pests
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Mandarins and clementines: the clementine harvest runs from October, for early varieties, to the beginning of January. A citrus of mild climates, grown in a tub and brought in for winter elsewhere.
Available: January, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Curk, F., Luro, F., Minuto, G., Nieddu, G. (2022), « Les agrumes du Nord de la Méditerranée », Alain Piazzola et INRAE (inrae.fr/sites/default/files/agrumesnordmediterranee.pdf)
- ODARC, « La Clémentine de Corse » (gustidicorsica.com/fr/7/filiere/la-clementine-de-corse.html)
- Chambre d'agriculture d'Occitanie, « Les agrumes bio en Occitanie » (occitanie.chambres-agriculture.fr/fileadmin/user_upload/265_chambre_dagriculture_-_occitanie/AB/Arbo/Fiches_anim_bio/Fiche_animbio_agrumes_2025.pdf)
- Missouri Botanical Garden, « Citrus reticulata 'Clementine' » (plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=244327)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
No notable particularity in food use.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, light, rather acid to neutral; dislikes chalk and standing water.
- • Classic companion: Basil.