Cultivating Clementine Trees in the South of France with Agrumiverse

Growing clementine trees in France requires careful attention to soil conditions, climate, and tree care. Agrumiverse , a supplier of citrus plants and a specialist in citrus growing , offers practical advice for successful cultivation, from soil preparation to fruit marketing.

Choice of Plot

Clementine trees require light, well-drained soil, ideally siliceous with some clay and lime. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.5 to ensure good growth and quality production. Make sure to choose a location with full sun exposure, which is essential for fruit ripening and taste.

In open fields, it is not recommended to plant clementine trees at an altitude above 600 meters to avoid excessively cold temperatures, especially in winter. These trees require a winter dormancy of 3 to 4 months with temperatures between 2 and 10°C. To prevent wind damage, install windbreak hedges around your orchard.

Soil Preparation

Before planting your clementine trees, a thorough soil analysis is necessary to assess the mineral composition and adjust the pH if necessary. Agrumiverse , as a citrus growing specialist , recommends incorporating compost and bone meal to enrich the soil. If your soil is heavy or clayey, add sand to improve drainage. A clean, regularly weeded plot ensures good tree growth.

Rootstocks and Varieties

The choice of rootstock is crucial to the success of your crop. It influences disease resistance, tree vigor, and fruit quality. Agrumiverse , a supplier of citrus rootstocks , offers several options suitable for clementine trees:

• Poncirus trifoliata : Frost resistant down to -15°C, it improves the taste quality of the fruit, but is sensitive to calcareous soils.
• Carrizo Citrange : Promotes rapid fruit set and very high productivity. It is suitable for warm climates, but less tolerant of limestone.
• Cleopatra Mandarin : A Tristeza-tolerant rootstock, compatible with clementine trees.
• Citrumelo 4475 : Disease resistant and versatile, it is compatible with most soil types.

When it comes to clementine varieties, Agrumiverse recommends consulting local experts to help you choose the right varieties for your area.

Planting

Spring is the ideal time to plant your clementine trees after the last frost. Spacing between trees varies depending on the rootstock and variety, but generally, it's recommended to leave 6 to 8 meters between rows and 4 to 5 meters between trees. A planting density of 250 to 416 trees per hectare is common.

When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of the tree. Mix the excavated soil with compost and well-rotted manure to provide the young trees with the nutrients they need to grow.

Annual Maintenance and Fertilization

Regular maintenance is essential to maintain the health of clementine trees and ensure good production. Agrumiverse , a specialist in the wholesale sale of citrus plants , offers dedicated technical support to optimize your maintenance.

• Irrigation : Clementine trees require regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. A drip irrigation system is recommended for better water management.
• Fertilization : Use fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, tailored to your trees' needs. Compost and bone meal are excellent natural fertilizers.
• Pruning : Formative pruning should be done in the early years to give the tree a "goblet" shape with five branches. Maintenance pruning, done after harvest, removes dead wood and promotes better light penetration.
• Frost Protection : In high-risk areas, protect your trees with wintering cloths or choose cold-resistant rootstocks such as Poncirus trifoliata .

Pests and Diseases

Pest and disease prevention is crucial for the health of your clementine trees. Agrumiverse recommends regularly monitoring your trees for early signs of infestation. If pests such as citrus moths are present, an organic treatment with water and black soap can be effective.

Use disease-resistant rootstocks to prevent infections and apply fungicide treatments after harvest to protect trees. By promoting biodiversity, you'll attract beneficial insects that help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Harvesting and Storage

The clementine harvest period varies between October and February, depending on the variety and region. The fruits are ripe when their skin is brightly colored and slightly soft to the touch. For optimal harvesting, use sharp pruning shears and handle the fruit with care.

After harvesting, clementines should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. For large-scale storage, Agrumiverse recommends the use of cold rooms with a storage temperature between 4 and 10°C.

Marketing

Once the clementines are harvested, sort them according to their size and appearance. Agrumiverse , a citrus wholesaler , offers packaging suitable for direct or wholesale sales. You can also transform your clementines into juice, jams, or candied fruit to diversify your products.

Clementine Tree Yields

Here is a table showing the estimated yields for clementine trees based on tree age:

Age of the tree	Yield in tonnes per hectare
3 years	2 tons
4 years	5 tons
5 years	12 tons
6 years old	20 tons
7 years old	25 tons
8 years and older	30 tons

FAQ

What is the best rootstock for clementine trees?

Poncirus trifoliata rootstock is recommended for clementine trees due to its frost resistance down to -15°C. Agrumiverse , as a supplier of citrus rootstocks , also offers other options suitable for warmer climates.

At what age do clementine trees start producing fruit?

Clementine trees begin producing fruit at the age of 3, with yields reaching up to 30 tonnes per hectare from the age of 8. Agrumiverse helps you optimize your yields.

How to protect clementine trees from frost?

In high-risk areas, it is recommended to use wintering fleeces and apply mulch around the base of trees. Agrumiverse offers protective solutions adapted to each type of climate.

What are the main pests of clementine trees?

The main pests of clementine trees include citrus moths and scale insects. Agrumiverse recommends organic treatments to protect your trees while respecting the environment.

What are the benefits of buying your clementine plants from Agrumiverse?

As a supplier of citrus plants and specialist wholesaler , Agrumiverse offers producer prices , unbeatable value for money , as well as fast and careful delivery throughout France .

How can we guarantee the quality of harvested clementines?

With the technical advice of Agrumiverse , you can guarantee a harvest of quality clementines, well calibrated and ready for sale.