Honey W. Murcott Mandarin

The Honey W. Murcott Mandarin (Citrus reticulata ‘Honey’ / W. Murcott) is a late-season mandarin variety prized for its exceptionally sweet, juicy, and flavorful fruit. Known for its deep orange color, aromatic zest, and tender, easily separated segments, this mandarin is perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and culinary use.

🍊 Fruit Characteristics

• Size & Shape: Medium to large, averaging 2.5–3 inches in diameter, with a thin, bright orange rind that is relatively easy to peel.

• Flavor: Very sweet, juicy, and aromatic with rich mandarin flavor and low acidity.

• Seed Content: Typically contains seeds, especially if cross-pollinated.

• Segments: Contains 9–10 tender, juicy segments that are easy to separate.

• Harvest Season: Ripens from late February through May, later than most other mandarins, making it an excellent late-winter to spring variety.

🌳 Tree Characteristics

• Mature Size: Reaches 12–18 feet in height and 10–15 feet in width in the ground; smaller when grown in containers.

• Growth Habit: Upright and moderately spreading, suitable for home orchards, patios, and landscape planting.

• Hardiness Zones: Thrives in USDA Zones 9–11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones with winter protection.

• Pollination: Self-fertile, though fruit can be larger and sweeter when cross-pollinated with other mandarin varieties.

🌱 Planting & Care

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun exposure for best growth and fruiting.

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during fruit development, but avoid waterlogging.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.

• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood.

The Honey W. Murcott Mandarin tree is an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a productive, low-maintenance citrus tree that produces sweet, juicy, and flavorful fruit later in the mandarin season, perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or culinary use from late winter through spring.