How to Grow Murcott Mandarin
Wikimedia Commons
Murcott Mandarin
Citrus reticulata 'Murcott'
fruitMurcott is a premium mandarin orange variety known for its exceptionally sweet flavor, fine-grained texture, and seedless or near-seedless fruit. The tree is vigorous, medium-sized, and produces dense clusters of fragrant white flowers followed by medium-sized orange fruits. It is a popular commercial variety prized for fresh eating and is sometimes called 'Honey Tangerine' due to its honey-like sweetness.
When should you plant Murcott Mandarin in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Murcott Mandarin timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Murcott Mandarin
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Murcott Mandarin
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Murcott Mandarin dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8-10; thrives in warm, frost-free climates
Sign up free to see if Murcott Mandarin grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Murcott Mandarin timeline →Growth Stages
Nursery/Young Tree
First yearGrafted sapling with developing canopy structure, typically 3-4 feet tall
Plant in well-draining soil, stake for support, water regularly, protect from frost if in marginal zones
Establishment
Years 2-3Tree grows 3-5 feet annually, developing stronger branch structure and root system
Minimal pruning to establish framework, maintain consistent moisture, apply citrus fertilizer monthly during growing season
Early Flowering
Year 3-4Tree reaches 12-15 feet; fragrant white flower clusters appear in spring
Do not allow heavy fruit set on young trees; thin flowers if needed to direct energy to tree growth, ensure adequate water during bloom
Production/Fruiting
Year 4+ (seasonal cycle)Medium-sized orange fruits develop from spring flowers, ripen over fall-winter (harvest December-March)
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart for larger fruit size, maintain consistent watering, apply balanced citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
Mature Tree
Year 5+ ongoingFully established tree 20-25 feet tall, producing consistent annual harvests of 50-100+ pounds of fruit
Prune to maintain shape and air circulation, manage pest/disease pressure, reduce nitrogen in late summer to encourage fruiting
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water or horticultural oil; maintain humidity; predatory mites (Phytoseiulus) in severe cases
-
Prune heavily infested branches, apply dormant oil spray in winter, horticultural oil during growing season
-
Monitor closely, insecticidal soap or neem oil, remove infested shoots; maintain tree vigor and minimize stress
-
Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; prune affected areas; introduce parasitic wasp (Leptomastix) if available
-
Sanitation (remove fallen fruit), baited traps, exclusion nets on individual fruit clusters in high-risk areas
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryMurcott mandarins are prized for their exceptional sweetness, fine grain, and seedless or near-seedless characteristics, making them ideal for fresh consumption, salads, and juice. The thin, easy-peel skin is a major advantage. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalRich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, Murcott mandarins support immune function, skin health, and cellular protection. Traditional Chinese medicine values citrus for digestive and warming properties. [source]
Zest and peel extraction
HouseholdThe fragrant peel can be zested for cooking and baking, dried for herbal teas, or used in natural cleaning products and potpourri. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeThe fragrant white flowers attract honeybees, native bees, and other pollinators in spring, supporting broader garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits ripen November-March depending on climate; harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Taste-test for sweetness before harvesting. Clip fruit with small pruners to avoid branch damage. Peak sweetness typically January-February. Store at 45-50°F with 85-90% humidity for extended shelf life.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Murcott is named after Charles Murcott, who discovered the variety in India; it is also known as 'Honey Tangerine' in some regions because of its remarkably sweet, honey-like flavor.
- 🌱 The variety is largely seedless due to genetic factors, but may produce seeds if cross-pollinated by other citrus varieties—planting a sole tree often ensures seedless fruit.
- 🌱 Murcott mandarins are a premium commercial variety, especially valued in Mediterranean and Californian citrus industries, and can command premium prices at farmers' markets and specialty grocers.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Murcott Mandarin planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Murcott Mandarin seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Murcott Mandarin timeline →