The clementine (Citrus × clementina) is a small, bright orange citrus fruit known for its sweetness, juiciness, and easy-to-peel skin. A hybrid of mandarin orange and sweet orange, clementines are typically seedless and delightfully fragrant, making them a favorite snack for children and adults. With their low acidity and high vitamin C content, they are not only delicious but also a healthy treat. Often sold under brand names like Cuties or Halos, clementines are ideal for fresh eating, salads, and desserts.
Clementines belong to the Rutaceae family, which includes grapefruit, pomelo, orange, lemon, kumquat, mandarin, and calamansi.
Clementines are a type of tangor, a hybrid between a willowleaf mandarin (Citrus × deliciosa) and a sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis). The fruit is small, usually 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter, with smooth, glossy, deep orange skin. The flesh is juicy and sweet with minimal acidity, and the segments separate easily without much pith, making them incredibly convenient to eat.
Clementines originated in Algeria in the late 19th century in the garden of a French missionary, Brother Clément Rodier, for whom the fruit was named. While similar hybrids may have existed in Asia earlier, genetic studies confirm the clementine’s specific parentage from Mediterranean and sweet oranges.
Clementine trees are small to medium-sized evergreen citrus trees with dense, glossy green foliage and fragrant white blossoms. They are ideal for outdoor orchards in warm climates and container gardening in cooler regions. With proper care, clementine trees can live 10 to 20 years, especially in home gardens or pots.
When grown in the ground, clementine trees typically reach 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) tall and 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) wide. In containers, they remain more compact, usually 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) tall. These trees grow at a moderate pace, adding 1 to 2 feet (30–60 cm) of growth per year under optimal conditions.
The trees produce small, star-shaped, white blossoms that emit a strong citrus fragrance. These flowers are pollinator-friendly and contribute to the appeal of the tree as a backyard ornamental.
Blooming occurs in spring, with fruit maturing from late fall through winter, depending on the climate and variety.
Clementines are round to slightly oblate and typically seedless. The flesh is segmented, tender, and extremely juicy, with a sweet and mild citrus flavor. Each fruit contains 7 to 14 segments and is easy to peel, making it perfect for snacking and packed lunches.
Clementine leaves are smooth, narrow, evergreen, and bright green, with a wingless petiole. The foliage is fragrant and forms a neat, rounded canopy.
Clementine trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9–11. In cooler climates, they should be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
The fruit is non-toxic to humans and most pets. However, essential oils in the peel can cause mild digestive upset or irritation in cats and dogs if ingested in significant amounts. Most reactions are mild (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or mild skin irritation)
A healthy snack choice, clementines are low in calories and high in vitamin C. A medium fruit (about 74g) provides:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 35 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Sugars | 8 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Folate | 5% DV |
Thiamine (B1) | 5% DV |
Calcium | 22 mg |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Clementines are more than just a sweet snack—they offer a variety of health benefits thanks to their vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Here’s how they can support your well-being:
Benefit | How It Helps |
---|---|
Immune Support | High vitamin C content helps boost immune defense. |
Antioxidants | Rich in flavonoids and carotenoids to combat oxidative stress. |
Skin Health | Promotes collagen production and radiant skin. |
Digestive Health | Provides fiber to support digestion and gut health. |
Hydration | High water content helps keep the body hydrated. |
Weight Management | Low in calories, making it a guilt-free snack option. |
Child-Friendly | Seedless and easy to peel, ideal for encouraging healthy eating in kids. |
While these citrus fruits are closely related, each has distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, appearance, and use. Here’s how they compare:
Feature | Clementine | Mandarin | Tangerine |
---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name | Citrus × clementina | Citrus reticulata | Citrus reticulata |
Origin | Hybrid of mandarin & sweet orange, Algeria | Native to China & Southeast Asia | Subtype of mandarin, named after Tangier, Morocco |
Size & Shape | Small, round, easy to peel | Small to medium, slightly flattened | Medium, more flattened than clementine |
Peel | Thin, glossy, very easy to peel | Thin, often easy to peel | Peel is looser but slightly tougher |
Seeds | Usually seedless | May have seeds | Often has more seeds |
Flavor | Very sweet, less acidic | Sweet, mild, low acidity | Sweet-tart, slightly more tangy |
Best For | Snacking, kids’ lunchboxes | Fresh eating, desserts, juicing | Salads, juicing, testing |
Clementine trees thrive in full sun and need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sunlight is essential for flower production, fruit development, and overall plant vigor. Indoors, place the tree near a south or west-facing window or supplement with full-spectrum grow lights.
They prefer well-draining, sandy to loamy soil. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral, 5.5–6.5 is optimal, but 6.0–7.0 is acceptable for most home growers. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soils. Amending with organic compost improves drainage and fertility.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially for young or container-grown trees. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering may lead to root rot, while underwatering can result in fruit drop.
Feed with a balanced citrus fertilizer that includes nitrogen, magnesium, and micronutrients. Fertilize 2–3 times per year—in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall—following the product instructions. Container trees may need more frequent feeding due to leaching.
Prune in late winter or after harvest to maintain shape, improve air circulation, and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid excessive pruning, as it can reduce flowering and fruiting. Remove suckers at the base and any branches growing inward.
Apply a 2–3 inch (5–7 cm) layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch at least 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) away from the trunk to avoid rot and pest problems.
Clementine trees grow well in containers in colder climates. Use a pot with drainage holes and quality citrus potting mix. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and allow root growth. Move pots indoors during winter in zones colder than USDA 9.
Clementines are typically ready for harvest from late fall to early winter, depending on the climate and variety. While color is a helpful indicator, it’s not always foolproof—some ripe fruits may still have small green patches, and some orange-colored fruits may not be sweet yet.
Here are key signs that clementines are ready to pick:
Proper harvesting helps preserve fruit quality and prevent spoilage:
Clementines stop ripening once picked, so be sure to harvest only when fully ripe. They can stay on the tree for weeks, but may dry out or decline in quality if left too long.
Although clementine trees are relatively hardy, they can face a range of pests and diseases, especially in warm, humid regions. Regular monitoring, preventive care, and timely treatment are key to maintaining tree health and fruit quality.
Aphids: Small insects that feed on new growth, secreting sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold. Remove them with water sprays, insecticidal soap, or by attracting ladybugs.
Leaf Miners: Larvae that burrow into leaves, creating winding trails. Remove affected leaves and use neem oil or traps to reduce infestations.
Whiteflies: These tiny white insects hide under leaves and drain sap, weakening the tree. Control with yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Microscopic pests that create fine webbing and speckled leaves. They thrive in dry conditions and can be controlled with neem oil or increased humidity.
Scale Insects: Immobile pests that appear as small bumps on branches and leaves. Remove manually or apply horticultural oil.
Mealybugs: Cottony pests that cluster in joints and damage tissue by sucking sap. Wipe with alcohol or spray with insecticidal soap.
Citrus Canker: Bacterial disease that causes sunken lesions on fruit, leaves, and stems. Remove infected parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
Greasy Spot: Fungal infection that creates yellow, oily-looking leaf spots. Improve air circulation and use copper sprays preventively.
Anthracnose: Affects twigs, leaves, and fruit. Remove infected parts and apply fungicides if necessary.
Alternaria Brown Spot: Fungal disease that causes dark sunken spots on young leaves and fruit. Use resistant varieties and copper-based fungicides.
Phytophthora Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage. Symptoms include wilting and root decay. Improve drainage and treat with fungicides.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Clementine |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spacing | 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Clementine |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
Spread | 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m) |
Spacing | 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Citrus x clementina (Clementine) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Citrus x clementina (Clementine) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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