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What Kind of Tangerine Is Best for Southern Texas?

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is the most important kind of mandarin citrus because it is widely grown and used for hybridization. Several varieties of tangerines grow in south Texas, but for best growth, they should be grafted to sour orange rootstock because it does well in alkaline soil and salty environments. Although mandarins are the most cold-tolerant citrus fruits, they may still need protection during severe freezes. Tangerines grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11. South Texas is located in zones 8b, with winter temperatures as low as 15 degrees, through 9b with low temperatures in the 30s.
  1. Clementine

    • The small fruit of Clementine (Citrus clementina) has deep reddish-orange skin, orange pulp and a moderate amount of seeds. It is very easy to peel and has an exceptionally good flavor. The tangerines ripen in October and November, and stay good on the tree longer than most other varieties. It is also known as “Algerian.”

    "Changsha"

    • A heavy producer, "Changsha" (Citrus reticulata Blanco "Changsha") bears fruit from October through January. The tangerines are small to medium-size with lots of seeds, but they are very sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. The trees are more cold-hardy than other varieties.

    “Ponkan”

    • The large fruit of “Ponkan” (Citrus reticulata Blanco “Ponkan”) has loose, thick skin that is very easy to peel. The pulp is orange with very few seeds and a mild flavor. The tangerines ripen from November through January and do not hold well after they ripen. The trees are vigorous but less cold-tolerant than other varieties. It is also called “Chinese Honey” and “Warmurco.”

    “Dancy”

    • Since “Dancy” (Citrus reticulata Blanco “Dancy”) matures later in the season, in December and January, the fruit is more prone to damage from frost and freezing temperatures. The medium tangerines have smooth, thin, reddish-orange skin that is very easy to peel. The pulp is deep orange and very flavorful. The fruit does not hold well on the tree after ripening but stores well after harvesting. The tree is large, vigorous and moderately cold-tolerant.

    “Fortune”

    • The fruit of “Fortune” (Citrus reticulata Blanco “Fortune”) is seedy and somewhat hard to peel, but it has a rich flavor. It is medium-size with reddish-orange skin and juicy, orange pulp. It ripens very late in the season, from January through March, and is prone to cold damage. The tangerines hold well after ripening.