How to Grow Clementines & Mandarin Oranges From Seeds
A variety of Mandarin orange widely grown in the Mediterranean region and the United States, Clementine oranges (Citrus Reticulata 'Clementine') can be grown from seed in the same way as any other variety of Mandarin orange. Best suited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, Clementines cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Clementine and other Mandarin orange trees can be easily grown from seed.
Remove the seeds from the fruit. Rinse the seeds under lukewarm tap water. Rinse off any juice and remove all fruit flesh from around the seeds. Any fruit left around the seeds will rot when planted in the soil and could result in mold or fungus that might destroy the seeds.
Place the seeds in a cup of lukewarm tap water and let them sit for 24 hours. Although soaking the seeds in water before planting is not necessary for germination, it does increase the chance of the seeds germinating successfully. Note: If you do not intend to plant the seeds right away, dry them completely and then put them in an airtight container. This prevents the growth of microorganisms. Storing them in cool or even cold location until you're ready to plant is also essential to prevent seed destruction.
Plant each seed into a 3-inch pot. Plant the seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into a rich but well-drained potting soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH balance. Water the soil of the pot until it is soaked and let it drain.
Cut one or two small holes into a small transparent bag. Place the bag over the top of the pot so that it acts as a barrier, keeping heat and moisture in over the surface of the pot. Secure the bag in place, if necessary, with an elastic band around the base of the bag and top rim of the pot.
Place the pot near a bright window or outside on a bright balcony where it will receive a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Remove the bag to water whenever the surface of the soil appears dry.
Remove the plastic bag after the seedling emerges and outgrows the space provided within the bag. Water the seedling whenever the surface of the soil appears dry.
Transplant the small tree after roots appear around the drainage holes of the pot. The Mandarin seedling can be planted in a larger pot for patio or even indoor growing, or outside in an area of the yard where it will not be crowded or shaded from direct sunlight.
Things You Will Need
A glass of water
Small transparent bags
- Purdue Agriculture: Mandarin Orange
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Citrus Reticulata 'Clementine'
- Treehelp: Starting From Seed-Starting Citrus Trees From Seed
- Permaculture Research Institute: Quick and Simple Tips for Germinating Seeds Yourself
- University of Wisconsin Extension: Master Gardener Program: Indoor Citrus
Avid gardener, traveler and writer, Rick Kurtz has scaled the Himalayas in search of a good story. Having traveled across four continents, he has experienced life in dozens of different countries. An experienced academic and commercial writer, Kurtz holds an MA in Social Science.