Clementine Tree
Citrus × clementina
A small, virtually seedless mandarin with glossy deep-orange skin that peels easily. It is a popular winter citrus borne on a compact, attractive evergreen tree.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; let topsoil dry between waterings
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
The clementine is a hybrid mandarin, generally considered a cross between a mandarin and a sweet orange. It is prized for its easy-peel skin and typically seedless segments, making it a popular winter citrus.
Clementines ripen in winter and are sold under brand names like 'Cuties' and 'Halos.' The trees are compact and attractive, suitable for gardens and large containers in mild climates.
How to identify it
Identifying features:
- Size & habit: Small, rounded evergreen tree, typically 2-4 m, often nearly thornless
- Leaves: Small, glossy, dark green, aromatic
- Flowers: Small, white, fragrant
- Fruit: Small, slightly flattened, with smooth, glossy, deep-orange rind that peels very easily; usually seedless segments
- Distinction: Smoother, tighter skin than some tangerines but still easy to peel; generally seedless when isolated from other citrus
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for best growth and yield.
Water: Water regularly, letting the soil surface dry between waterings; provide good drainage.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Temperature: Best in USDA zones 9-11; somewhat more cold-tolerant than sweet oranges but needs protection from hard frost.
Feeding: Use a citrus fertilizer through the growing season.
Propagation: Grown by grafting onto rootstock. Note that cross-pollination with other citrus can cause clementines to develop seeds, so isolation keeps fruit seedless.
Habitat & origin
The clementine is generally attributed to Algeria around 1900, where it was reportedly selected by Father Clément Rodier, after whom it is named, from mandarin seedlings.
It is now grown widely around the Mediterranean (Spain, Morocco, Algeria), and in California and South Africa, supplying much of the winter mandarin market.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a clementine and a tangerine?
Clementines are a smoother-skinned, typically seedless type of mandarin, while tangerines often have looser, more textured skin and may contain seeds.
Why do my clementines have seeds?
Clementines are seedless only when isolated from other citrus. Cross-pollination by bees from nearby citrus causes them to develop seeds.
Can I grow a clementine tree in a pot?
Yes. Their compact size suits large containers, which also allows them to be moved to shelter from frost.
When are clementines in season?
Clementines are a winter citrus, generally ripening from late autumn through winter.
Clementine Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Clementine Tree.
