How to Grow Mandarin in New Zealand
One of the hardiest citrus, with Satsuma types coping best with cooler conditions, though all citrus want a warm sheltered sunny spot. Plant in spring once the soil warms. Buy grafted on trifoliata rootstock for a smaller, hardier tree.
When to plant mandarin in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | November |
| Otago & Southland | November |
Best mandarin varieties for NZ
- Satsuma (Miho/Okitsu) — Easy-peel early mandarin, the hardiest and most reliable for New Zealand, ripe in autumn to winter. (Kings Plant Barn, Waimea Nurseries)
- Encore — Late-season sweet juicy mandarin that extends the harvest into spring. (garden centres)
- Clementine — Sweet easy-peel mandarin for warm sheltered gardens. (garden centres)
How to grow mandarin
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 20cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1095 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow mandarin near: Nasturtium, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Guava moth, Citrus leaf miner, Scale. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Mandarin plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant mandarin in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy mandarin seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Plant Barn, Waimea Nurseries, garden centres.