How to grow Mandarin in Australia

Plant in full sun in free-draining soil sheltered from frost and cold wind. Water deeply and regularly, never letting the roots sit in soggy ground, and feed with a citrus fertiliser through the growing season.

At a glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Full sun
Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 5 days
Spacing: 400 cm
Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
Time to germinate: 14 days
Soil pH: 6 to 7
Frost tolerance: Half hardy

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	March to September
Northern Rivers NSW	March to September
Sydney & Coastal NSW	March to September
Melbourne & Victoria	September to November	Plant Sep to Nov. Melbourne frosts run roughly mid May to mid September, so spring planting gives a young tree a full warm season before winter. Satsuma types handle cold best.
Adelaide & SA	March and April, September and October	Plant Mar to Apr or Sep to Oct, avoiding frosty midwinter and summer heat. Imperial and Afourer crop well in Adelaide; water deeply in summer.
Perth & WA	March to September
Tasmania	October and November	Marginal. Plant Oct to Nov after the last frost against a warm north facing wall. Satsuma types handle cold best.
Canberra & ACT	November	Marginal. Satsuma types are hardiest; plant in November after the last frost in a warm sheltered spot with frost protection while young.
North Queensland	September to March	Wet season. Mandarin is tropical citrus; thrives in tropical north. Fruit year-round.
Darwin & Top End	September to March	Wet season. Mandarin is tropical citrus; thrives in tropical north. Fruit year-round.

Companion planting

Good companions

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Pick when fully coloured and the fruit feels heavy and slightly soft. Cut the stem or twist gently, and taste a sample since colour can run ahead of sweetness.

Storage

Bench for 1 week, fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. Juice and freeze well.