Position – The Calamondin orange tree thrives in hot, humid conditions and full sun. Plant your trees about 3.5 to 5 metres apart to allow for their canopy to spread.
Size – Depending on the soil, climate conditions and care, your mandarin orange tree can grow to a height of between 3 and 6 metres tall.
Soil Type – Calamondin oranges need well-draining, healthy sandy soil with a neutral pH. If your soil’s drainage isn’t optimal, plant your mandarin tree on a bit of a mound so the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Mulch – This tree thrives with a layer of mulch to protect its roots from drying out. Organic mulches – like pine needles, leaves and bark chips – work very well.
Watering – Your tree needs to be well watered for the best fruits. In summer and spring, increase your watering so that the tree doesn’t dry out in the heat.
Fertilising – To get the most out of your Calamondin orange tree, feed it with fertiliser in spring and summer. If the leaves start to yellow, your plant may not have enough magnesium. Apply a little Epsom salt to the tree’s dripline (where the leaves extend their reach).
Pruning – You may decide to prune your tree if you need to keep its spread under control, prefer a particular shape, or have diseased or dead branches that are sapping it of its vital energy. This tree grows well as a hedge.
Harvesting – Pik your calamondin oranges when they have turned from yellow orange colour all over. Clip or twist them carefully from the tree. If they’re ripe and you know rains are coming, try to take them off before the rains, as these can cause the fruits to spoil.
