How to Grow a Mandarin Tree

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it's needed most. Water in well.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn.

When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.

When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food. 

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.

Water deeply, 2-3 times during the week, depending on weather conditions

Feed your citrus with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser three times a year, in early spring, summer and again in autumn.

When the tree starts to produce fruit (normally in its 3rd year), feed weekly with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food.

• Sometimes mandarins will produce fruit only every second year, which is called biennial or alternate bearing. To help minimise this, remove some of the fruit when it's still small and green, which reduces the drain on the tree's energy reserves. And don't forget to feed, feed, feed!

• Growing a range of mandarin varieties, including Emperor, Imperial and Honey Murcott can provide fruit from late autumn through to early spring.
• In heavy clay soils, it's best to put some extra effort into preparation. Before planting, raise the level of the bed as much as possible, dig in gypsum and plenty of composted organic matter, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.
• If you're short of sunny spots in the garden, grow citrus in pots that can be moved to take advantage of changing patterns of sunlight.
• Thinning excess fruit when they're small will encourage larger fruit to develop.
• Keep feeding citrus trees each week with Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food while they are maturing their fruit. It contains the nutrients phosphorus and potassium, which play an important role in fruit quality.

Sooty Mould on a Mandarin tree occurs when sap-sucking insects such as Aphids and Scale are present. As the insects feed on the tree, they exude a sugary substance on which the Sooty Mould feeds and grows. By treating the primary cause of the Sooty Mould, which is the presence of sap-sucking insects like Aphids and Scale, you can effectively control and prevent the growth of Sooty Mould on a Mandarin tree. 

If you have a large tree, apply Yates PestOil. It's available in a concentrate and can be mixed and applied in a sprayer. 

Blackspot on Mandarins is caused by a fungus. This fungal pathogen tends to live on dead twigs and branches and the spores are spread by wind and rain. The disease is common in cool damp weather, and where the foliage dries slowly, this disease is likely to thrive. The best time to take action to prevent this disease from spreading is in spring when the buds are bursting and when 50-75 percent of the petals have fallen. Spray the plant with Yates Leaf Curl Copper Fungicide at this time. Further sprays at 6-8 week intervals may be required, depending on weather conditions.

Dry, pithy fruit is generally a lack of water, especially during fruiting. Water regularly when fruiting and ensure the base of the tree is mulched well to help retain soil moisture. 

Additionally, feed with a complete fertiliser, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Plant Food Fruit & Citrus once every season. This provides nutrients to support healthy plant growth and fruit development.