Imperial Mandarin Tree

Imperial Mandarin (Citrus reticulata 'Imperial') is the first mandarin off the tree each season and the easiest to eat. Grafted trees reach about 3.5m tall and 2.5m wide in the ground, or hold near 2m in a large pot. It is self fertile, so one tree gives a full crop, and fruit colours from around May while other mandarins are still weeks off.

Why you'll love it

• Fruit before everything else. Australia's most popular early season mandarin, picking from about May into July.
• Genuinely easy to peel. The loose skin lifts in one piece and the segments pull apart without a knife.
• One tree is enough. Self fertile, so there is no pollination partner to find room for.
• Roots that behave. Non-invasive, so it can go near paving, a path or a boundary without causing trouble later.
• Blossom that feeds bees. White spring flowers carry the classic citrus perfume and draw bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

Pots, courtyards and balconies. A pot at least 500mm across and 500mm deep holds a productive tree near 2m for years. Use a premium potting mix and raise the pot on feet.

Small gardens. In the ground, allow 3m between the trunk and a wall, fence or neighbouring tree so air moves through the canopy.

Hot, dry inland gardens. Heat tolerant and productive in Mediterranean and arid to semi-arid districts, given water while the fruit is filling.

Growing Imperial Mandarin in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, six hours minimum, in the warmest spot you have. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid to semi-arid gardens. It takes light frost only, so in cool temperate and frosty inland districts grow it against a north facing wall, or keep it potted and shelter it for winter.

Soil. Free draining and slightly acidic. Citrus will not tolerate wet feet, so on heavy clay build a 300mm mound and plant into that. Keep the graft union above soil level.

Water. Deep soak weekly while establishing and through fruit fill, more often in pots. Uneven watering is the usual cause of split or dropped fruit.

Feeding. Citrus are hungry, whatever the old care notes said. Apply a dedicated citrus fertiliser three times a year: late winter, early summer and early autumn. Yellowing older leaves means it is overdue.

Pruning. Very little. Remove growth below the graft, take out crossing branches, and shorten long water shoots after harvest.

What to expect when it arrives

Trees are grafted and supplied in 250mm packs of three, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots, and in 45L and 100L. The smaller sizes are single leader trees that set their first worthwhile crop in the second or third season. The 45L and 100L trees are already framed up and often carry fruit in their first year with you.

Plants travel upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet few weeks after planting, then a strong flush in spring. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to grow citrus trees in an Australian backyard
• Browse the full citrus tree range
• Compare fruit trees for home gardens
• Choosing the right pot size

Common questions

When does Imperial Mandarin fruit?

From about May, several weeks ahead of most mandarins. Warm subtropical gardens colour earliest, and cooler southern gardens run later and hold fruit into July.

Will it fruit properly in a pot?

Yes, in a pot 500mm or wider. Potted trees dry out and use up nutrients faster, so water more often and feed on schedule rather than waiting for the tree to look hungry.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Not entirely. Citrus leaves, skin and stems carry essential oils that are mildly toxic to cats and dogs and can cause vomiting or skin irritation. Plant it out of reach of a determined chewer, and pick up dropped fruit.