Growing Mandarin Trees in the South of France with Agrumiverse

Growing mandarin trees in France requires careful soil preparation, careful selection of rootstocks, and rigorous annual maintenance to produce high-quality fruit. Agrumiverse , a supplier of citrus plants and a specialist in citrus growing , guides you throughout the process, from planting to marketing.

Choice of Plot

Mandarin trees thrive in light, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Agrumiverse , as a citrus growing technical advisor , recommends avoiding clay soils, which retain water and can cause root asphyxiation. Choose a plot with full sun exposure, which is essential to ensure the fruit's sweet taste.

For outdoor cultivation, prefer altitudes below 600 meters. The ideal climate for mandarin trees is characterized by moderate winter temperatures, between 2 and 10°C, and without significant frost. Protection from cold winds is also recommended to preserve your trees.

Rootstocks

The choice of rootstock influences tree vigor, fruit quality, and disease resistance. Here are some options recommended by citrus rootstock supplier Agrumiverse :

• Citrange : Offers good resistance to cold and disease.
• Citrumelo 4475 : Robust rootstock, known for its vigor and disease resistance.
• Volkameriana : Ideal for dry and calcareous soils, promotes rapid fruit set and high productivity.
• FA5 : Suitable for a wide variety of soils, including calcareous soils.

The choice of rootstock will depend on the nature of the soil and local climatic conditions. Agrumiverse , a citrus growing specialist , advises you to consult a local expert for a personalized choice.

Planting

Mandarin trees can be planted throughout the year, but it is advisable to plant them between March and May to strengthen the tree before winter. Agrumiverse , as a supplier of citrus plants , recommends preparing the soil with hoeing to eliminate weeds and improve soil structure. Adding magnesium lime is also beneficial for stimulating the growth of mandarin trees.

To improve drainage and prevent fungal diseases, plant mandarin trees on mounds. This technique also helps protect the roots from excess moisture.

Spacing, Density and Yield

Standard mandarin trees require a spacing of 5 to 7 meters between trees, while Satsuma mandarin varieties can be planted 3 to 5 meters apart. Planting density varies between 200 and 400 trees per hectare, depending on the chosen spacing.

In terms of yield, a 3-year-old mandarin orchard produces approximately 1.5 tonnes per hectare. After 8 years, production can reach 23 tonnes per hectare. Agrumiverse , a citrus growing specialist , helps you maximize these yields by optimizing cultural practices, such as irrigation, fertilization and pruning.

Annual Maintenance

Size

Pruning mandarin trees is essential to ensure good production and improve fruit quality. After harvest, prune dead or diseased branches and remove suckers to promote better light distribution. Citrus growing specialist Agrumiverse recommends disinfecting your tools between each tree to prevent the spread of disease.

Fertilization

Fertilization should be tailored to the needs of mandarin trees based on their age and physiological condition. A basic fertilization before planting is recommended to correct soil imbalances, while annual fertilization will provide the nutrients necessary for tree growth. Use fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements to fill any deficiencies. Agrumiverse , a supplier of citrus fertilization solutions , will help you choose the right products.

Pests and Diseases

To prevent pests and diseases, choose resistant varieties and prune regularly to prevent tangled branches. Agrumiverse offers organic solutions like neem oil and Bordeaux mixture to control pests such as mealybugs and fungal diseases. In the event of an infestation, treat your trees promptly with suitable products.

Harvesting and Storage

The harvest time for mandarins depends on the variety grown and the climate. Generally, mandarins can be harvested year-round if multiple varieties are planted. Citrus growing specialists Agrumiverse recommends hand-harvesting to preserve the fragile fruit and storing it in a cool, dry place. If diseases appear, immediately isolate the affected fruit to prevent contamination.

Marketing

Marketing strategies vary depending on your market and production volumes. Direct sales, although requiring a distribution network, generally offer better prices. In addition, wholesale allows you to sell large volumes. Processing mandarins into juice or jam can also be a solution for adding value to unmarketable fruit. Agrumiverse , as a provider of solutions for citrus growers , supports you in implementing these strategies.

Mandarin Tree Yields

Age of the tree	Yield in tonnes per hectare
3 years	1.5 tons
8 years and older	23 tons

FAQ

What is the best rootstock for mandarin trees?

Citrumelo 4475 rootstock is recommended for its vigor and disease resistance. Agrumiverse , as a supplier of citrus rootstocks , offers several options suitable for your soil and climate.

At what age do mandarin trees start producing fruit?

Mandarin trees begin producing fruit at the age of 3, and their yield peaks after 8 years. Agrumiverse helps you maximize your yields with tailored technical advice.

How to protect mandarin trees from disease?

Agrumiverse recommends organic preventative treatments such as neem oil and Bordeaux mixture to combat diseases and pests. Regular pruning and the use of resistant rootstocks are also essential.

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

As a supplier of citrus plants , Agrumiverse offers you producer prices , delivery throughout France , as well as dedicated technical support to maximize the productivity of your orchards.

How to guarantee a good mandarin harvest?

By following Agrumiverse 's advice, you can ensure a quality harvest. Adapt your growing practices to your needs and ensure proper fertilization and rigorous maintenance.