How to Grow Tangor Orange
Wikimedia Commons
Tangor Orange
Citrus × tangor
fruitThe tangor orange is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from a cross between the tangerine and sweet orange, combining the sweetness and size of oranges with the easy-peel characteristics of mandarins. It produces medium to large, orange fruits with a distinctive sweet-tart flavor and aromatic qualities. This vigorous tree is prized for both fresh consumption and ornamental value in home gardens.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Tangor Orange 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 Tangor Orange timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Tangor Orange
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Tangor Orange
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tangor Orange dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; prefers warm, frost-free climates
Sign up free to see if Tangor Orange grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Tangor Orange timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree develops root system and establishes canopy framework with minimal fruiting.
Water regularly, stake for support, prune to shape structure, avoid heavy fruit set, apply mulch to retain moisture.
Vegetative Growth (Years 1-3)
24-36 monthsTree grows vigorously, developing lateral branches and filling out canopy shape.
Maintain consistent fertilization schedule, prune competing or crossing branches, thin fruit if present to encourage tree development.
Flowering (Spring)
4-6 weeksTree produces fragrant white blossoms typically in spring (February-April in Northern Hemisphere).
Provide consistent moisture, avoid heavy pruning during flowering, monitor for pests and diseases, thin excessive blooms if needed.
Fruit Development & Growth (Summer-Fall)
16-24 weeksSmall green fruits develop and mature to full size and orange color over 4-6 months.
Thin fruits to 6-8 inches apart for larger individual fruit, maintain regular watering and fertilization, monitor for fruit flies and scale insects.
Mature Fruit & Harvest (Late Fall-Winter)
8-12 weeksFruits reach full color and sweetness development, ready for harvest from November through January depending on variety.
Hold ripe fruit on tree as long as possible for maximum sweetness, harvest with clippers, apply post-harvest fungicides if needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Quarantine new trees, use yellow sticky traps, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, introduce parasitoid wasps, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
-
Prune affected branches, apply dormant oil in winter, use horticultural oil during growing season, introduce natural predators like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity with misting, apply water spray to dislodge, use neem oil or horticultural miticide if severe
-
Remove fallen fruit promptly, use fruit bagging on developing fruit, maintain garden sanitation, use organic traps if necessary
-
Apply sulfur-based fungicides in cooler months, use horticultural oils, prune heavily infested branches
Uses
Fresh Eating & Juice
CulinaryTangors are primarily enjoyed fresh due to their easy-peel skin, sweet flavor, and high juice content. The fruit can be segmented and eaten fresh or juiced for fresh-squeezed beverages. [source]
Marmalade & Preserves
CulinaryThe balanced sweetness and mild acidity make tangors excellent for jams, marmalades, and citrus preserves with good gel formation. [source]
Natural Cleaning Agent
HouseholdCitrus peels contain d-limonene and other terpenes that can be infused in vinegar to create natural cleaning solutions for household use. [source]
Vitamin C & Antioxidants
MedicinalRich in ascorbic acid and flavonoids, tangors support immune function and overall health when consumed regularly. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Food
WildlifeThe fragrant white flowers attract honeybees and other pollinators, while mature fruits provide late-season food for birds and 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
Harvest when fruits reach full orange color and yield slightly to gentle pressure; mature tangors typically ripen December-January. Leave fruit on tree as long as possible before hard freeze for maximum sweetness and juice content. Use bypass pruners or clippers to avoid tearing branches. Store at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or refrigerate for longer storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The tangor is sometimes called the 'Honeybelle' or 'Murcott' when referring to specific cultivars, and was originally developed in Jamaica and Florida as a commercial hybrid in the early 20th century.
- 🌱 Unlike pure oranges, tangors retain the easy-peel characteristic of mandarins while achieving the larger size and superior sweetness of sweet oranges, making them a 'best of both worlds' citrus.
- 🌱 Tangor trees are sensitive to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), so sourcing nursery stock from certified disease-free suppliers is critical for long-term tree health.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Tangor Orange planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tangor Orange 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 Tangor Orange timeline →