MANDARIN “CALIFORNIA HONEY” – Flavor Rich and Sweet
Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata blanco RUTACEAE
Description: California Honey Mandarin is a hybrid of the King mandarin with the Willowleaf (Mediterranean) mandarin made by H. B. Frost of the University of California Citrus Research Center, Riverside. This hybrid is a sister of Encore, Kinnow, and Wilking. It was described in 1943. Produces fruit small-sized, oblate; rind faintly pebbled; seeds numerous. Light yellowish-orange; flavor rich and sweet.
Ripens: From November to January (dependent on local climatic conditions)
Height & Spread: 4m x 4m (approximately 13 ft x 13 ft), mainly dependent on pruning practices.
General:
- An early spring-ripening Mandarin
- Similar to Florida Honey Murcott with its rich, sweet flavor.
- May need thinning for larger fruit.
- Excellent flavor
- The vigorous tree typically bears alternate years.
- Tree height ranges from 18″-36″ tall
- Can be used as an evergreen, ornamental shade tree in smaller gardens.
- Can be grown exceptionally well in containers/pots.
Care:
- Very well drained, light aerated soil is essential. Avoid clay soils.
- When planting in pots, ensure that adequate drainage is provided and use a good quality bark based potting soil with added river sand.
- Best fruit production is in full sun but tolerates semi-shade as well.
- Citrus are heavy feeders, so apply 6:1:5 or 20-20-20 fertilizer monthly, or use your choice of organic fertilizer option.
- They will also benefit from regular applications of magnesium sulphate (epsom salts) and iron chelates.
- Keep plants moist but be careful of over watering.
- Keep an eye out for aphids, scale. Mealy bugs and citris pslla (treat with any product containing imadacloprid).
NOTE – Picture & information are a guide only
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