TANGERINES: So tangy and so sweet by Suzanne LaBrecque/Victoria County Master Gardener

Tangerines – PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ASHOK PRUTHI

Tennis ball, Meyers lemon, orange and tangerine – PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ASHOK PRUTHI

Tangerine trees growing in pots. – PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN FOSSATI

Tangerine trees growing in pots. – PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN FOSSATI

Recently my sister Andree and I were reminiscing about favorite family traditions.

One we both singled out was getting tangerines in our Christmas stockings. The tangerines were a winter treat and easy to peel. We both still enjoy eating them, especially during the winter.

Originally from Southwest Asia, tangerines (Citrus reticulata or Citrus tangerina) were imported to the United States via Tangier, Morocco. The fruit was named tangerine for this place. The first tangerine crop was planted in Palatka, Florida by a Major Atway who sold his groves to N.H. Moragne in 1843. The Moragne tangerine became one of the most popular American varieties.

In the United States, tangerines are often marketed as mandarins and mandarins as tangerines. The fact is all tangerines are mandarins but not all mandarins are tangerines. Tangerines are the most popular mandarin variety.

The main difference between tangerines and mandarins is that tangerines have a more tart taste and a deeper reddish-orange. Tangerines have orange pebbly skin while mandarins have orange, smooth and glossy skin. When ripe, tangerines soften slightly making them easy to peel.

The peak season for tangerines is autumn to spring. Fresh tangerines are often used in salads, salad dressings and desserts. Both fresh and dry tangerine peels yield a favorable spice for foods and potpourri.

Tangerines are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and help support overall good health. They also have beta carotene that our bodies turn into vitamin A that promotes eyesight and a healthy immune system. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which support healthy skin and the immune system.

In the Crossroads area, tangerines need to be grown in containers because they are not cold-hardy. In containers tangerine trees can be moved to sheltered places before hard freezes. None of my sources support growing tangerines from seed. Rather they recommend purchasing your tree from a reputable nursery. The plant will be grafted on rootstock and already have grown for two years.

Tangerine and other citrus trees are available late February and March. After purchasing your tree, select a container that leaves room for growth, probably 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Do not buy too large a container. The tree needs about 3-inches more free soil around the root ball that was in the original container.

Another tip, is that tangerine trees like a neutral soil pH. Be sure to wash off most of the peat moss around the root ball. Most potting soils are neutral and keeping the peat moss can drive the soil to the acid range.

Place your tree into the pot at the same level as it came from the nursery. Fill the area around the roots with soil and tamp down the soil. Newly planted tangerine trees need plenty of water for the first two weeks. Keep the soil moist but not wet and at week three begin a regular watering schedule. Pot-grown tangerines need well-draining soil and 6-to- 8 hours sunlight per day. They need to be fertilized with a citrus fertilizer two or three times a year.

One recommendation is to fertilize Valentine Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. After the last frost, gradually move your tangerine plant outside to prevent shock and loss of leaves. Reverse the process when temperatures drop and you move it back inside. When outside, tangerine trees in our area need to be watered daily. Inside, the tree only needs to be watered when the top soil is dry to the touch.

As it grows, tangerine trees need to be repotted about every three or four years. The new pot should be one size up from the current one. Be aware it will take three to four years for your tree to bear fruit. Do not worry, the produce will be worth the wait.

The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.