Tangerine Cultivation Tips for New Growers

Tangerine oranges are a citrus fruit that is similar in appearance to the common orange, but smaller in size and with a thinner, easier-to-peel skin.

The practice of farming tangerines has become increasingly popular in Kenya due to the high demand for the fruit in local and international markets

Farmer Jasper Makau, from Makueni says to achieve optimal growth and yield of tangerine oranges, farmers must follow specific cultivation practices.

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Ecological requirements

Tangerine oranges grow best in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for tangerine orange farming is between 20 to 30 degrees celcius. Areas with high humidity and moderate rainfall are also ideal for tangerine farming.

Soil

Tangerine oranges grow well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. They do not thrive in waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, which helps to retain moisture and nutrients. Sandy loam soil is most suitable.

Propagation

Use certified disease-free cuttings. Seedlings are usually produced by grafting or budding to an appropriate rootstock as seeds will not produce fruit true to type.

The ideal method of citrus propagation for commercial operations is a double grafting method wherein a fruit-producing scion cutting is grafted to a rootstock cutting, which then develops roots at the same time that the scion graft mends.

“You do not have to do the cuttings yourself if you do not have the right materials, there are companies that sell already grafted seedlings which you can purchase and just transplant,” says Makau.

Planting

Before planting, prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the size of the tree’s root ball. Mix the soil with compost or manure to provide additional nutrients to the plant.

“Plant the tangerine orange tree in the prepared hole, making sure that the graft union is above the soil level. Water the tree immediately after planting,” he said.