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How to Grow Sunburst Tangerine

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Sunburst Tangerine

Citrus reticulata 'Sunburst'

fruit

Sunburst tangerine is a seedless citrus variety prized for its sweet, juicy fruit and easy peeling. This early-season mandarin matures in fall and produces abundant yields on a moderately-sized tree. The variety is self-fertile and a prolific bearer, making it ideal for home orchards.

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Example Sunburst Tangerine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Sunburst Tangerine

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Sunburst Tangerine

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sunburst Tangerine dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily for optimal fruit production and sweetness
💧
Water: Deep, regular watering during growing season (spring-summer); reduce in fall and winter. Water deeply but infrequently to avoid root rot. Mature trees need 1-2 inches per week during dry periods.
📏
Spacing: 240 inches
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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (3-4 years from planting for first significant fruit production; peak production at 5-7 years)
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Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; graft union should be 4-6 inches above soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Citrus-specific fertilizer Sulfur if pH is above 7.0 Zinc supplement (citrus trees are zinc-hungry)

Growing Zones

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Thrives best in USDA zones 8b-10a; tolerates zone 8a with frost protection

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 1-2 years

Young tree with developing canopy; minimal to no fruit production; focus on root and branch development.

Water regularly to establish deep roots. Avoid heavy fertilizer. Remove competing leader shoots to establish single trunk. Stake if necessary. Prune lightly to shape.

2

Juvenile to Flowering

2-4 years

Tree reaches 8-12 feet height; develops dense foliage and abundant white fragrant flowers in spring.

Maintain consistent water and nutrients. Begin light annual pruning. Thin excessive flower buds if desired for larger fruit. Fertilize monthly during growing season with citrus fertilizer.

3

Fruit Set and Development

4-6 months (May-September)

Small green fruits appear after flowering (April-June); grow larger through summer months.

Continue consistent watering; critical period for fruit drop prevention. Apply nitrogen in spring, phosphorus and potassium in summer. Thin fruits if needed (every 6 inches) for larger individual tangerines. Monitor for pests.

4

Ripening and Maturation

3-4 months (August-November)

Fruits gradually change from dark green to orange; develop characteristic bright tangerine color and increase sugar content; fragrance increases noticeably.

Reduce watering slightly; avoid nitrogen fertilizer. Fruits mature on tree; patience improves sweetness and color. Thin foliage around fruit clusters for sun exposure and disease prevention. Watch for late-season pests.

5

Harvest

Typically September-November

Fruit reaches peak color (bright orange), develops slight give to gentle pressure, and separates easily from stem.

Harvest by clipping or twisting fruit from branch. Pick in early morning for peak juice content. Store unwashed at room temperature for a few days or in cool place for weeks. Can remain on tree for several weeks after ripening.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Chives Marigold Nasturtium Alyssum Dill Fennel

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Other citrus species requiring different pH Plants requiring acidic soil (pH below 5.5)

Common Pests

  • Remove affected leaves; use reflective mulches; insecticidal soap on new growth; neem oil spray; release parasitic wasps (Ageniaspis citricola)

  • Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or sulfur spray; encourage beneficial predatory mites; horticultural oil in dormant season

  • Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulches; encourage parasitic wasps

  • Prune heavily infested branches; horticultural oil spray; insecticidal soap; parasitic wasp releases; systemic insecticides if severe

  • Strong water spray; neem oil; insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer

  • No cure; prevention is key—control Asian citrus psyllid with horticultural oil or neem; purchase certified disease-free trees; report to authorities; remove infected trees

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and juice

Culinary

Sunburst tangerines are prized for fresh consumption due to their seedless characteristic, thin easy-peel skin, and sweet, juicy flesh. They can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or juiced for beverages. [source]

🍳

Zest for cooking and baking

Culinary

The fragrant peel yields aromatic zest used in desserts, cocktails, sauces, and marinades, adding bright citrus flavor to dishes. [source]

💊

Vitamin C source

Medicinal

Tangerines are excellent sources of vitamin C, supporting immune function, collagen production, and antioxidant protection when consumed fresh or as juice. [source]

🏠

Natural cleaner and deodorizer

Household

The peel contains limonene, a natural solvent useful for making homemade cleaning products and air fresheners with pleasant citrus aroma. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and wildlife support

Wildlife

Spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators; fallen fruit provides food source for wildlife including birds and beneficial insects. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Sunburst tangerines typically ripen September-November, earlier than most tangerine varieties. Pick fruit when fully orange and slightly soft to gentle pressure; test sweetness by tasting first fruit. Harvest by gently twisting or clipping with pruners to avoid tearing skin. Fruit can remain on tree after ripening for 2-4 weeks, improving sweetness and color further. Store unwashed at room temperature for 3-5 days or in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Sunburst tangerine is one of the earliest-maturing mandarin varieties, often producing fruit by mid-September—sometimes 2-3 weeks ahead of other tangerines.
  • 🌱 The variety is seedless and self-fertile, meaning it can produce abundant fruit without cross-pollination, though pollination increases yields.
  • 🌱 Sunburst trees are known as alternate bearers, potentially producing very heavy crops one year followed by lighter crops the next; thinning fruit and proper fertilization help balance production.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun pH
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