How to Plant Calamondin & Tango Mandarin Trees

Planting fruit trees in your garden is a great way to create a beautiful and functional landscape. Citrus trees like calamondin and tango mandarin are easy to grow and provide delicious, juicy fruit that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. If you're interested in planting these trees in your own garden, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in planting any fruit tree is choosing the right location. Citrus trees like calamondin and tango mandarin need plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Look for a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and avoid areas that are prone to flooding or standing water.

Before you plant your tree, you'll also want to prepare the soil. Dig a hole that's twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your tree. Mix in some compost or other organic matter to help improve soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Your Tree

Now that you've selected a location and prepared the soil, it's time to plant your tree. Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen any roots that are tightly bound. Place the root ball in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, shoveling it in gently around the sides of the tree. Use your foot to tamp down the soil as you go, creating a firm base for the tree to grow from.

Once you've planted your tree, make sure to give it a thorough watering. Water deeply enough to saturate the soil around the root ball, but be careful not to over-water. Citrus trees like moist but not waterlogged soil, so check the soil frequently and adjust your watering schedule as needed.

Caring for Your Tree

Now that your tree is planted, it's important to care for it properly to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Here are some tips for caring for your calamondin or tango mandarin tree:

Fertilize regularly: Citrus trees need regular fertilization to thrive. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer and apply according to package instructions.

Prune carefully: Pruning citrus trees is essential for maintaining the health and shape of the tree. Trim away any dead or diseased branches and remove any growth that's blocking sunlight from reaching the center of the tree.

Protect from pests: Citrus trees are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases, including citrus rust mites, spider mites, and fruit flies. Monitor your tree carefully and use natural pest control methods or chemical sprays as needed.

Harvest carefully: When your calamondin or tango mandarin is ripe, use pruning shears to carefully cut the fruit from the tree. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruit, as this can damage the tree.

By following these planting and care tips, you'll be able to enjoy your own home-grown calamondin and tango mandarin fruit for years to come. Happy planting!