Growing Mandarin in Australia: The Complete Guide
Mandarin is an easy to moderate citrus tree to grow, needing full , sheltered sun with regular, deep watering.
We get asked about mandarin often enough that it's worth setting out the full picture here, beyond what fits on our printable card.
Planting depth
Mandarins are among the most cold-hardy citrus, tolerating light frost better than lime or orange — a good choice for the cooler edge of citrus-growing country.
Getting Mandarin Into the Ground
Method — plant with the graft union above soil level; stake loosely. Soil — well-drained, slightly acidic. Timing — plant in spring.
Ongoing Care
Keep these points in mind:
- Water deeply and regularly, especially through flowering and fruit set.
- Feed with a citrus fertiliser three times a year.
- Mulch around the drip line, clear of the trunk.
- Prune lightly after harvest.
Common Problems
Worth paying attention to:
- Citrus leaf miner — silvery trails; prune affected tips.
- Gall wasp — swollen stems; prune out before spring.
- Sooty mould — follows sap-sucking pests; treat the pest.
- Fruit drop — irregular watering or stress.
Picking and Keeping Your Harvest
Signs — full colour, fruit feels slightly soft and comes away easily. Method — cut or twist from the stem. Curing — none needed. Storage — room temperature about a week, fridge up to a month.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main mandarin guide page.