The Pixie Mandarin tree (Citrus reticulata 'Pixie') is a small, compact, and relatively easy-to-grow citrus tree that is popular for its sweet and flavorful fruit. Pixie Mandarins are known for their delicious, sweet, and slightly tart flavor. They have a rich, juicy, and tangy citrus taste, making them a favorite among mandarin varieties. The fruit is typically seedless, which enhances the overall eating experience.
Pixie Mandarins usually ripen in the late winter to early spring, between February and April, depending on the local climate and growing conditions. They are among the earliest maturing mandarin varieties, making them a great choice for those who want fresh fruit in the early part of the year.
The Pixie Mandarin tree is relatively hardy and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-10, which means they are well-suited for mild, Mediterranean-like climates. They are more cold-tolerant than many other citrus varieties, but they may still require some protection or extra care if temperatures drop significantly below freezing. In colder climates, you can grow a Pixie Mandarin tree in a pot and move it indoors during the winter to protect it from frost.
- Select a Suitable Container: Choose a large, sturdy container with good drainage. A 10-14" pot is recommended for a starter tree. This size is adequate for its immature size and will still allow room for the tree's roots to grow.
- Potting Mix: Use a chunky, well-draining, high-quality potting mix like Primo Potting Mix. Make sure the potting mix is well-aerated and slightly acidic.
- The Pixie Mandarin tree (Citrus reticulata 'Pixie') is a small, compact, and relatively easy-to-grow citrus tree that is popular for its sweet and flavorful fruit. Pixie Mandarins are known for their delicious, sweet, and slightly tart flavor. They have a rich, juicy, and tangy citrus taste, making them a favorite among mandarin varieties. The fruit is typically seedless, which enhances the overall eating experience.
Pixie Mandarins usually ripen in the late winter to early spring, between February and April, depending on the local climate and growing conditions. They are among the earliest maturing mandarin varieties, making them a great choice for those who want fresh fruit in the early part of the year.
The Pixie Mandarin tree is relatively hardy and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-10, which means they are well-suited for mild, Mediterranean-like climates. They are more cold-tolerant than many other citrus varieties, but they may still require some protection or extra care if temperatures drop significantly below freezing. In colder climates, you can grow a Pixie Mandarin tree in a pot and move it indoors during the winter to protect it from frost.
- Select a Suitable Container: Choose a large, sturdy container with good drainage. A 10-14" pot is recommended for a starter tree. This size is adequate for its immature size and will still allow room for the tree's roots to grow.
- Potting Mix: Use a chunky, well-draining, high-quality potting mix like Primo Potting Mix. Make sure the potting mix is well-aerated and slightly acidic.
- Planting in the ground: For in-ground planting, plant the tree in a prepared area about 3x the diameter of the pot, and as deep as possible. That soil should be well-draining and loose, allowing for root growth. Plant your tree at the same depth as the pot, keeping the crown of the roots just above the soil line. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Location: Place the potted tree in a sunny location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Citrus trees love full sun, preferably south facing.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Read more here about watering deeply.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Pixie Mandarin tree with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer like G&B Organics Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer or Romeo Fertilizer. Use it according to the manufacturer's instructions during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
- Pruning: Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size. Remove dead or diseased branches and any excess growth. Read more about pruning citrus trees here.
- Protection from Cold: If you live in an area with cold winters, move the potted tree indoors to protect it from frost. Place it in a cool but well-lit area, and reduce watering during the dormant period.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common citrus pests like aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
With proper care and attention, the Pixie Mandarin tree can thrive and produce delicious fruit in a pot, even in less-than-ideal growing conditions. Enjoy your homegrown Pixie Mandarins!
$60.00 --OVERVIEW-- Mid-Season Ripening It is best suited to coastal and inter-coastal regions. This Kinnow x Dancy hybrid produces sweet, seedless fruit that is aromatic and easy to peel. Fruit is pebbly in texture and once peeled is moderately juicy. This… read morePixie Semi-Dwarf Mandarin Tree
- Location: Place the potted tree in a sunny location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Citrus trees love full sun, preferably south facing.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Read more here about watering deeply.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Pixie Mandarin tree with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer like G&B Organics Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer or Romeo Fertilizer. Use it according to the manufacturer's instructions during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
- Pruning: Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size. Remove dead or diseased branches and any excess growth. Read more about pruning citrus trees here.
- Protection from Cold: If you live in an area with cold winters, move the potted tree indoors to protect it from frost. Place it in a cool but well-lit area, and reduce watering during the dormant period.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common citrus pests like aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
With proper care and attention, the Pixie Mandarin tree can thrive and produce delicious fruit in a pot, even in less-than-ideal growing conditions. Enjoy your homegrown Pixie Mandarins!
$60.00 --OVERVIEW-- Mid-Season Ripening It is best suited to coastal and inter-coastal regions. This Kinnow x Dancy hybrid produces sweet, seedless fruit that is aromatic and easy to peel. Fruit is pebbly in texture and once peeled is moderately juicy. This… read morePixie Semi-Dwarf Mandarin Tree
