Tangelo is a citrus fruit known for its sweet and tangy flavour, combining the traits of tangerines and grapefruits. These versatile fruits are a favourite among citrus enthusiasts and home gardeners looking to savour a unique and refreshing taste in their gardens.
Planting Calendar
Tangelo can be planted throughout the year but grow best when planted in spring and autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.
Harvest In
2-3 years after planting. July-October
Harvest when fruit is bright red-orange. Tangelo do not continue to ripen after harvesting so make sure they are well coloured and come of the tree easily when picked.
Prepare
In the realm of citrus fruits, there exists a delightful option often overlooked by many – the tangelo. This unsung hero of spring harvesting may not be the most prominent, but it certainly doesn't lack in charm. Tangelos, a hybrid born from the union of a tangerine and pomelo or grapefruit, offer a unique fusion of flavours. In the lush orchards of New Zealand, the 'Seminole' variety reigns supreme. This particular tangelo is a harmonious blend of mandarin and grapefruit, resulting in a messy-to-eat yet incredibly rewarding citrus experience. Bursting with juicy flesh, tangelos strike a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, a delightful marriage of their mandarin and grapefruit lineage. One of the standout features of tangelos is their convenience. Most varieties boast only a handful of pips, and their thin, easy-to-peel skin makes them a hassle-free choice for fruit enthusiasts
Position
Tangelo require a warm, sunny position with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Protect from cold, harsh winds. Make sure there is a good amount of airflow in the area. Dwarf varieties can be grown in containers.
Soil
When planted into the ground Tangelo like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Pollination
Tangelo are self fertile so do not need a pollinator.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive. For container plants, this will probably mean daily watering during summer, never allow the container to sit in water.
Feeding
Feed with Kings Citrus & Fruit Tree food in Spring and again every month through to the end of Autumn. Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. For plants growing in containers,feed with Kings Slow Release Citrus Food and Aquaticus Garden Booster.
Protecting
Feed with Kings Citrus & Fruit Tree food in Spring and again every month through to the end of Autumn. Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. For plants growing in containers feed with Kings Slow Release Citrus Food and Aquaticus Garden Booster.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Tangelo trees need regular spraying to keep pests and diseases at bay. Spray before and after flowering and up until harvest with GroSafe Free Flo Copper for Fruit and Veggies to keep Citrus Verrucosis under control. Repeat at 3-4 weekly intervals up until harvest. Regular spraying with BioNeem and Mavrik will keep other pest under control.
Pruning
Citrus trees need regular spraying to keep pests and diseases at bay. Spray before and after flowering and up until harvest with GroSafe Free Flo Copper for Fruit and Vegies to keep Citrus Verrucosis under control. Repeat at 3-4 weekly intervals up until harvest. Regular spraying with BioNeem and Mavrik will keep other pest under control.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Tangelo enjoy growing alongside herbs like dill, borage and thyme, and flowers such as marigold, cosmos, yarrow and calendula. But don’t grow anything directly under citrus trees as their roots are relatively close to the surface and can be easily damaged.
Expert Tip
Yellow leaves most often mean that young trees require magnesium or other trace elements. Apply Yates Liquid Trace Element as per the instructions on the packet.
Tip
We suggest removing all fruit in the first year to assist your young tree in establishing a good root and branch structure. Like all citrus Tangelo are heavy croppers, often setting more fruit than they can sustain. Early removal of approximately 1/3 of the crop will result in improved fruit quality, and help to prevent biennial bearing (setting fruit only once every two years).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I plant a tangelo tree?
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertiliser, then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
When is the best time to plant tangelo trees?
The best time to plant tangelo trees is in spring or early summer, when the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed.
How often should I water my tangelo tree?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive. For container plants, this will probably mean daily watering during summer, never allow the container to sit in water.
How do I prune a tangelo tree?
Citrus trees need regular spraying to keep pests and diseases at bay. Spray before and after flowering and up until harvest with GroSafe Free Flo Copper for Fruit and Vegies to keep Citrus Verrucosis under control. Repeat at 3-4 weekly intervals up until harvest. Regular spraying with BioNeem and Mavrik will keep other pest under control.
What is a tangelo?
A tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit, a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo or grapefruit, known for its sweet and tangy flavour.