- Choose a Suitable Variety: Select a tangerine variety that is well-suited for container growing. Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are often preferred for their compact size.
- Select a Large Pot: Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system of the tangerine tree and provides good drainage. A 15-20 gallon container with drainage holes at the bottom is ideal.
- Prepare the Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for citrus trees. You can mix equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and compost for a nutrient-rich growing medium.
- Planting the Tangerine Tree: Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery shards at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. Plant the tangerine tree in the center of the pot at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container. Fill the remaining space with the prepared potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top of the pot.
- Watering: Water the tangerine tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, as citrus trees are susceptible to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Sunlight: Place the potted tangerine tree in a location where it receives full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Citrus trees thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize the tangerine tree with a balanced citrus fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth and fruit development.
- Pruning: Regularly prune the tangerine tree to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. Pruning can also encourage fruit production.
- Pollination: If you’re growing a self-pollinating variety, the tree may produce fruit on its own. However, you can also hand-pollinate the flowers using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers, which can increase fruit set.
- Harvesting: Depending on the variety, tangerines typically ripen in late fall or winter. Harvest the fruits when they are fully ripe and orange in color, as they do not continue to ripen after picking.
While you may not get hundreds of tangerines from a single potted tree, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown fruit with proper care and maintenance.