Murcott Honey Mandarin Tree

Outdoor Planting Instructions: If planting outdoors, choose a spot in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of sun every day. Make sure the soil is well-drained. Mandarin's do not do well in overly moist soils. Sandy, loamy soils are ideal. Dig a hole in the ground that is twice as wide as the root ball. Place your tree in the hole, with 1 inch of the root ball sticking out from the top of the soil. Water thoroughly after planting. Add a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep the mulch 6 inches away from the tree trunk.

Container Planting Instructions: Plant your tree in a large pot that gives the roots room to grow. Plant in well-draining, loose soil and make sure your container has proper drainage holes. Adding equal parts sand, moss and vermiculite is the best combination for ideal growth. As your tree grows, if roots begin to come out of the drainage holes, you will need to repot your plant in a larger container. You can keep your plant outside during the warmest months, but when temperatures begin to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll need to begin training the tree to move indoors. Training is easy, simply bring your tree inside for 1 hour on the first day and increase the time inside by 2-3 hours each day. If you move your plant back outside during the summer, you'll need to retrain it in the same way. Always keep your tree in the sunniest location possible, whether indoors or outdoors.

Watering: Water new plants twice a week until established. Once the tree is established, only water every 7-10 days. Never overwater your Mandarin tree.

Fertilization: Use a citrus fertilizer in March, May and June. Follow the instructions on the package, but divide the amount by 3. When applying the fertilizer, water the tree lightly to dissolve the fertilizer into the soil.

Pruning: Prune in the spring when new growth emerges. Remove all dead and dying limbs or branches that grow from the bottom of the tree. During the first 2 years of growth, remove all the fruit once the blooms have died. This allows the tree the ability to use all the nutrients, and it encourages new growth.

Pests: When watering your tree, spray the leaves and branches with a hose to knock off any larva or eggs. If you see any eggs, larva or worms sprayed off, be sure to put them in a sealed trash bag and throw them away to prevent them from re-inhabiting the tree. You may also spray your tree with insecticidal soap in Spring. If your tree becomes infested, you will need to use an insect oil to rid the tree of pests and prevent diseases.

Harvesting: Mandarins should be harvested as soon as they being to turn orange. They will continue to ripen on the branch, and can spoil very quickly, especially during the rainy season.

Storage: Mandarins can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for a year. To freeze mandarins, peel and cut them into wedges. Boil simple syrup and pour over wedges. Freeze in an airtight container.