How to Grow Tangor Murcott
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Tangor Murcott
Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis
treeTangor Murcott is a hybrid citrus fruit tree resulting from a cross between mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). It produces large, sweet-tasting citrus fruits with loose, easy-to-peel skin and distinctive flavor. This tree is moderately vigorous and popular in warm climates for both commercial and home cultivation.
When should you plant Tangor Murcott in your zone?
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Example Tangor Murcott timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tangor Murcott
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Tangor Murcott
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tangor Murcott dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8b-11, with best performance in zones 9-10
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Get my Tangor Murcott timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root and canopy development; minimal fruiting expected.
Water regularly, stake for support in windy areas, prune only to establish good structure, protect from extreme cold/wind, avoid fertilizer burn with light, balanced feeding.
Development (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree grows vigorously, branching becomes more established, first flowers may appear but should be removed to encourage vegetative growth.
Continue regular watering, apply slow-release citrus fertilizer spring and summer, thin competing branches, remove early flowers to redirect energy to tree structure.
Flowering (Spring, Years 3+)
2-4 weeksFragrant white flowers bloom in clusters; flowers develop into small green fruits by late spring.
Ensure adequate water and nutrient supply; do not allow drought stress, thin excessive flowers if fruit set is too heavy (20-40 per branch), avoid spraying during bloom.
Fruit Development (Summer-Fall)
12-16 weeksFruits grow from marble-size to full size (4-5 inches diameter); rind transitions from green to orange, sugars accumulate.
Maintain consistent watering (critical for sweetness), apply potassium-rich fertilizer to enhance flavor and color, thin fruits if needed for larger size, provide shade cloth in extreme heat.
Harvest (Late Fall-Winter)
4-8 weeksFruits reach full color and sweetness; typically harvest October-December depending on region.
Test fruit by tasting before full harvest, pick when fully colored and slightly soft to touch, use sharp pruners to avoid branch damage, harvest gradually as fruits mature.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for spotted nymphs, prune infested growth, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Spray with horticultural oil in dormant season, use neem oil during growing season, remove heavily infested branches, maintain tree health
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Increase humidity by misting, use sulfur spray (avoid when temps exceed 85°F), spray with water to dislodge, apply miticide if severe
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Remove and destroy infested leaves, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizing, use reflective mulch, apply insecticidal soap on new growth
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab for light infestations, encourage natural predators
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Remove infected branches and sterilize tools, avoid overhead watering, apply copper fungicide if needed, maintain good air circulation and sanitation
Uses
Fresh eating and juice
CulinaryTangor Murcott is eaten fresh as a dessert fruit with excellent sweet-tart flavor and loose, easy-to-peel skin. The high juice content and aromatic qualities make it ideal for fresh squeezed juice. [source]
Marmalades and preserves
CulinaryThe unique flavor profile and pectin content make Tangor Murcott suitable for making jams, marmalades, and fruit preserves with distinctive taste. [source]
Vitamin C and immunity
MedicinalRich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid), bioflavonoids, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. Traditional use in citrus-based remedies. [source]
Natural cleaning and fragrance
HouseholdPeel contains limonene and aromatic oils used to make natural cleaners, degreasers, and air fresheners. Dried peel adds fragrance to households. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeThe fragrant spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. Fruit provides food for wildlife. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Tangor Murcott typically ripens October-December depending on location. Fruits should be fully colored (deep orange) and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Taste a sample fruit before harvesting for optimal sweetness. Use hand pruners or secateurs to cut the fruit stem cleanly, avoiding damage to branches. Harvest gradually as fruits ripen. Fruits can remain on tree for several weeks after ripening if needed. Store in cool location (50-55°F) for extended shelf life; fruits also ripen slowly at room temperature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tangor Murcott was developed by breeding a mandarin with a sweet orange, creating a hybrid that combines the easy-peeling characteristic of mandarins with the larger fruit size and sweetness of oranges.
- 🌱 The 'Murcott' variety (also called 'Murcott Honey') is named after horticulturist A.E. Murcoat who developed it in Florida in the early 1900s, making it one of America's original citrus hybrids.
- 🌱 Unlike some citrus trees, Tangor Murcott has a moderate growth habit and doesn't become excessively large, making it more suitable for home gardens where space is limited.
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