How to Grow Mandarin in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Mandarin rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week, one tree produces hundreds of fruit per season.
This guide covers when to plant Mandarin in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Mandarin is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Mandarin full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Mandarin into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
One of the best citrus for SEQ. Emperor (winter) and Afourer (late season) give extended harvest. Always buy grafted on Flying Dragon rootstock for smaller trees and better performance.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 5 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Citrus gall wasp, Bronze orange bug, Fruit fly and Scale. The main diseases to watch are Root rot and Melanose. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Mandarin is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench for 1 week, fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. Juice and freeze well.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, mandarin is good fresh as a snack and in lunchboxes, peeled into salads with fennel, juiced for fresh drinks and zested into baking and dressings. Nutritionally: excellent source of vitamin C and contains folate and antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Mandarin grows well alongside Nasturtium and Marigold. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Mandarin Growing
Add mandarin to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mandarin in Australia?
Mandarin is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January, February and March. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Mandarin take to grow?
Mandarin is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Mandarin in a pot?
Yes. Mandarin grows well in a container of 50cm+ (dwarf varieties) with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Mandarin need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Mandarin in the Plant Library
