How to Plant Tangerine Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tangerine trees are a popular citrus plant that can add beauty and fragrance to your garden, while also providing delicious fruit. If you’re looking to learn how to plant tangerine tree yourself and care for it properly, this guide will help you get started.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step to planting a tangerine tree is to select the right location. Tangerine trees need plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. They also prefer warmer temperatures, so make sure the location you choose is protected from frost and chilly winds. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day and is sheltered from strong winds.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The next step is to prepare the planting site by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and fertile. If your soil is heavy and compacted or has a lot of clay, you might want to add some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrients. Use a garden fork or tiller to work compost into the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches.

Step 3: Planting the Tree

It’s time to plant your tangerine tree. Make sure you dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your tree. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to keep the graft union above soil level. Tamp the soil down gently with your foot to eliminate air pockets and water the tree thoroughly.

Step 4: Water and Fertilize

Water your tangerine tree regularly, especially during dry periods, making sure not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to water the tree slowly and deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. You may also need to fertilize your tree once a year in early spring, using a citrus fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance

Prune your tangerine tree annually to remove dead or diseased branches, limbs that cross or rub against each other, or branches that grow too close together. Also, thin out fruit clusters, leaving only one fruit per twig to encourage larger fruit size. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases such as citrus leaf miner or fungal infections and take appropriate measures to control them.

Conclusion

With the right care and planning, you can grow beautiful and delicious tangerines right in your own backyard. Just remember to start by selecting the right location, preparing the soil, planting the tree correctly, watering and fertilizing it frequently, and pruning and maintaining it regularly. Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy tangerines for many years to come.