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petuniafish

Which mandarin would you choose

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Because of my climate (year round 45-85 mph winds, very little sun) I grow my plants indoors under T5HO lights year round. Just started growing citrus less than a year ago and have a Meyer lemon, Satsuma, Dancy, and Kishu mandarins.

I'm about to buy another mandarin at Four Winds growers as I've had good luck there- even the smallest have been over 2 feet tall, only $10 shipping and very healthy. Looking primarily at a Tango, but have a backup choice of Pixie. My primary considerations are that it's seedless, sweet and ok for a beginner. Any thoughts?

One last question. I fertilize every 3 months with 1/2 dose of Osmocote. I also feed with 1/2 dose Foliage Pro every other watering. I've mixed in about 1/2 to 1 cup worm castings too and some Ironite. Am I over or underdoing it?


Nancy

Comments (9)

  • 9 years ago

    Lol Steve! Nancy, I have heard great things on this forum about the gold nugget and may get one myself this season, however, I've not tried one myself. I think the tango is also excellent. I thought pixie was better for coastal areas in CA, but I may be wrong...

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks Laura. It's a conundrum for sure. Since I'm still new to citrus, a question for you? Have had my mandarins for about 6-9 months and so far so good. But for the long term are mandarins more difficult for a citrus novice? Should I hang in there before buying anymore, and not regret that I jumped the shark with something more difficult for newcomers?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Steve, there is a cliff out in front of my home that stands about 40 feet above the ocean. The spruce trees that hang on the cliff look just like your pics. The 100 mph wind distorts them into growing sideways a foot or two off the ground. I'm with you- a Meyer lemon would look awesome out there!

  • 9 years ago

    Wow! Only ten for shipping? It's $20 to my house! Is there a sale? I better go check hahaha! I'm looking for a gold nugget.

  • 9 years ago

    Mandarins generally are more cold-hardy than oranges are. There are climates where mandarins can grow but oranges can't.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    They have Gold Nuggets Amanda! I live about 400 miles from Four Winds- maybe I live closer and shipping more reasonable? I drive right through Winters on my way to visit family in SF, and if they were open to the public I'd have to pre-cut up my credit cards.

    Thanks Parker. Really interesting about their cold tolerance- would have guessed it would be the other way around.

    Nancy

  • 9 years ago

    Get a tango you will not be disappointed. Or get all three, tango, Pixie and gold nugget and you'll have fresh mandarins from February to June/ July every year.

    Evan

  • 9 years ago

    HAHA Evan, you are speaking my language! I wish I had the confidence in myself to invest in that many trees!