Mandarin 'Imperial'

Product Information

The first mandarin to ripen, 'Imperial' is a proven variety, popular for its thin, easy peel skin. An Australian heirloom, 'Imperial' was raised during the 1890s at Emu Plains, NSW, and tends to produce higher yields in alternate years. Harvest the sweet fruit from April in most areas. With its thin golden skin, sweet tangy flesh and few seeds, 'Imperial' mandarins are the perfect portable snack! Grafted on Carrizo Citrange rootstock.

Citrus grow best in open positions where they receive full sun, good drainage and shelter from strong winds. They prefer a frost-free environment, although they will tolerate light frost once established. Citrus are well suited to pot culture and are no less productive when kept at 2m tall and 2m wide, which also makes maintenance and care more manageable. Always use good quality potting mix in a pot. Citrus have a shallow fibrous root system and underplanting and cultivation below the tree should be avoided. Fertilise monthly with a complete, slow release, pelleted fertiliser all year round. Mulch to conserve moisture. Supplementary water is required during the warmer months. Prepare soil prior to planting by digging a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball and enriching with compost and pelleted complete fertiliser. Apply seaweed solution after planting. Grafted on to Citrange rootstock, which performs well in clay loams and shows tolerance for nematodes. Fruit size and quality from trees on this stock is very good.