How to Grow Clementine Murcott

Clementine Murcott

Citrus clementina 'Murcott'

tree

Clementine Murcott is a seedless mandarin orange variety known for its sweet, juicy fruit and deep orange color. This evergreen citrus tree is compact and productive, making it ideal for home gardens and commercial cultivation. The fruit typically matures in winter and stores well on the tree.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily for optimal fruit production

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Water: Regular watering during establishment and growth; 1-1.5 inches per week. Reduce frequency once established. Avoid waterlogging; ensure excellent drainage.

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 1080-1200 (3-4 years from planting to first significant harvest)

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Planting depth: At same depth as root ball; grafted union should be 4-6 inches above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Citrus-specific fertilizer blend

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8b-11; protect from hard freezes below 15°F (-9°C)

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree focuses on root development and branch structure. Limited flowering may occur but should be removed to encourage growth.

Water consistently, stake for support, remove flowers and small fruit, apply mulch around base, avoid heavy fertilizing.

Vegetative Growth (Years 1-2)

12-24 months

Tree develops strong framework with vigorous branch growth and dense foliage. Leaves are glossy and evergreen.

Prune to open canopy, maintain consistent watering, apply balanced citrus fertilizer quarterly, monitor for pests.

Flowering (Late Winter/Early Spring)

4-8 weeks

Fragrant white flowers appear in clusters along branches. Young trees may produce fewer flowers; mature trees flower abundantly.

Do not disturb flowering; ensure adequate water during bud set, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizing, protect from frost if temperatures drop below 28°F.

Fruit Development & Growth (Spring-Fall)

20-24 weeks

Small green fruits develop from pollinated flowers and gradually enlarge. Fruit may naturally thin in early summer.

Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart for larger fruit size, maintain consistent watering, apply citrus-specific fertilizer monthly, spray for pests as needed.

Harvest Maturity (November-January)

8-12 weeks

Fruit develops characteristic deep orange color and sweetness peaks. Fruit can remain on tree for several months without quality loss.

Begin harvest when fruit reaches full color and yields slightly to pressure, continue regular watering, prepare for potential frost protection.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Marigold Nasturtium Rosemary Citrus trees (other varieties)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut Eucalyptus Fennel

Common Pests

Remove affected leaves, apply horticultural oil spray, encourage natural predators, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizing
Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, prune heavily infested branches, introduce natural predators like ladybugs
Monitor yellow sticky traps, apply neem oil or pyrethrin spray, quarantine new plants, control ant populations
Increase humidity with foliar misting, spray with water to dislodge, use miticide if severe, encourage predatory mites
Prune infested branches, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, introduce parasitic wasps, maintain good air circulation

Uses

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Fresh eating and juice

Culinary

Clementine Murcott are primarily enjoyed fresh for their seedless nature, easy-to-peel skin, and exceptionally sweet, juicy flavor. They are also excellent for fresh juice and blending. [source]

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Desserts and preserves

Culinary

The high sugar content and mild acidity make them ideal for jams, marmalades, candied peel, and as a natural sweetener in desserts and baked goods. [source]

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Vitamin C and immune support

Medicinal

Clementines are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. [source]

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Peel and essential oil

Household

The fragrant peel can be dried for decoration, infused in water for cleaning, or used to extract essential oils with uplifting aromatic properties. [source]

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Pollinator and wildlife support

Wildlife

Fragrant winter flowers attract bees and pollinators during a season when few other citrus bloom, supporting local ecosystems. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest from November through January when fruit develops deep orange color and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Clementines do not ripen further after picking, so wait for sweetness development on tree. Gently twist and pull, or cut with pruning shears to avoid branch damage. Fruit stores well on tree for 2-3 months; harvest gradually for fresh supply throughout winter.

Fun Facts

🌱 Clementine Murcott was developed in Spain and is named after the town of Murcott; the original Clementine variety is believed to have originated in Algeria and was named after a French missionary named Clément Rodier.
🌱 Unlike most citrus varieties, Clementines lack seeds due to their seedless heritage, making them distinctly popular for fresh consumption and ideal for children's snacks.
🌱 Clementine Murcott trees can live 50+ years with proper care, with some commercial orchards maintaining productive trees for over 75 years.

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