Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors

Tango mandarin trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, which correspond to regions with mild winters and minimal risk of frost. They are sensitive to freezing temperatures, especially when young, so in cooler areas within these zones, it’s recommended to provide frost protection or grow the trees in large containers that can be moved indoors or to sheltered locations during cold snaps. In their ideal zones, Tango mandarins perform well with full sun, well-drained soil, and regular care, producing high-quality, sweet, and seedless fruit.

Tango mandarin trees typically begin producing a few fruits 2 to 3 years after planting when grafted nursery trees are used, although full production will take 4 to 5 years as the tree matures. Fruit development and timing depend on factors like rootstock, climate, soil quality, irrigation, and fertilization.

Once established, Tango trees are consistent bearers and, thanks to their upright growth habit, produce fruit along the vertical framework, making harvesting efficient. Proper care—adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular feeding—helps ensure healthy growth and earlier fruiting.

Tango mandarin orange trees appear to be long-lived when properly cared for. Since the Tango mandarin was officially released in 2007 by the University of California, Riverside, there isn’t yet long-term data on the full lifespan of mature trees in commercial or home settings. Observations from similar mandarin varieties suggest they can live and produce for decades, but for Tango specifically, the maximum productive lifespan is still being determined.

Their longevity depends on factors such as soil quality, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and protection from extreme cold. With healthy rootstocks and proper care, a TreeSource Tango mandarin tree can provide decades of sweet, seedless fruit while maintaining vigorous growth and tree health.

For Tango mandarin trees, the optimal commercial orchard spacing is 12 feet between trees within a row and 20 feet between rows. This spacing accommodates the tree’s upright growth habit while providing ample room for full canopy development, sunlight penetration, and air circulation. The wider row spacing also facilitates machinery access for pruning, spraying, and harvesting, making orchard management more efficient.

At this spacing, each tree occupies 240 square feet, allowing for 181 trees per acre. Proper pruning and orchard management ensure the upright trees remain healthy, productive, and well-shaped while maximizing fruit quality and overall yield. This 12' x 20' spacing strikes the best balance between tree vigor, fruit quality, and orchard efficiency, making it the preferred arrangement for commercial Tango mandarin production.

TreeSource provides certification through the CDFA Citrus Clean Stock Program to verify that our Tango mandarin trees are healthy and free of major citrus diseases. This program ensures that trees are propagated from disease-free budwood and grafted onto healthy rootstocks, following strict nursery protocols to minimize the risk of pests and pathogens such as Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) or Huanglongbing (HLB).

By participating in the Clean Stock Program, TreeSource guarantees that our Tango mandarin trees are grown under controlled, disease-free conditions. This gives growers confidence that they are planting trees with a strong start, capable of long-term productivity and high-quality fruit production. The program emphasizes careful inspection, clean propagation practices, and ongoing monitoring, making TreeSource trees a reliable choice for both commercial orchards and home gardens.