Clementine
A small, seedless mandarin variety prized for its exceptional sweetness and easy-to-peel, glossy orange skin.
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Meet Clementine
A small, seedless mandarin variety prized for its exceptional sweetness and easy-to-peel, glossy orange skin. Clementines are self-fertile but produce larger fruit when cross-pollinated, though this introduces seeds into the otherwise seedless fruit. They ripen earlier than most citrus, providing fruit from November through January.
When to plant Clementine
True clementines are nearly seedless and propagated exclusively by grafting to maintain their desirable traits. Purchase grafted nursery trees on rootstocks such as Carrizo citrange for vigor, Trifoliata for cold hardiness, or Flying Dragon for natural dwarfing. Grafted trees typically begin fruiting in three to four years. If clementine seeds are obtained from cross-pollinated fruit, they can be planted one inch deep in moist potting mix at 70 to 80 degrees, but resulting trees will be hybrids with unpredictable fruit quality and may take many years to bear.
Your Clementine Year
Composed for Zone 7 · typical seasons · frost passes Apr 2, returns Nov 1
Sow Clementine Mar – May, pick Jan, Nov – Dec. Set your climate below and every date on this plate re-times itself.
How to grow Clementine
Clementines grow best in USDA zones 9 through 11 with full sun and protection from cold winds. Plant grafted trees in early spring, spacing 10 to 12 feet apart for standard trees or 5 to 7 feet for dwarf varieties. Set the graft union three inches above soil level and water deeply at planting. Clementines are excellent container trees, performing well in 15 to 25 gallon pots with good drainage.
Water established trees deeply every seven to ten days, adjusting frequency during extreme heat or drought. Clementines are self-fertile but plant near other mandarin varieties to increase fruit size and yield through cross-pollination. Be aware that cross-pollination will introduce seeds into otherwise seedless fruit, so isolate clementines from other citrus if seedless fruit is a priority.
Fertilize with a citrus-specific formula three times per year in late winter, late spring, and early fall. Prune lightly after harvest to shape the canopy and remove dead or crossing branches. Clementines fruit heavily and may benefit from thinning to prevent branch breakage and promote larger individual fruits. In borderline cold zones, protect with frost cloth when temperatures drop below 28 degrees.
Clementine needs more room than a 4 × 8 ft bed gives
Each Clementine wants 300 cm of elbow room. The planner keeps that spacing for you — every plant, every bed.
Clementine's best neighbours
Surround clementine trees with pollinator-attracting herbs like lavender, rosemary, and oregano to boost fruit set. Plant nitrogen-fixing white clover as a ground cover beneath the canopy. Nasturtiums attract aphids away from new citrus growth. Garlic and chives may help deter borers when planted near the trunk. If growing seedless clementines, isolate from other citrus by at least 100 feet to minimize cross-pollination by bees. Avoid bermudagrass and other invasive grasses around citrus.
Basil belongs beside it. Walnut Tree doesn't.
Old growers' knowledge, checked against Clementine's real companion table below — test any plant you're growing.
Related growing guides
Feed it well
Clementines prefer well-drained sandy loam to loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. They are particularly sensitive to waterlogging, which quickly leads to root rot. Amend clay soils generously with compost and perlite or plant in raised beds. Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer with micronutrients including iron, zinc, and manganese three times annually. Foliar micronutrient sprays in spring correct minor deficiencies quickly. Maintain a two to three inch mulch layer around the tree but avoid contact with the trunk.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Establishment from Grafted Tree
Clementines are almost always grown from grafted nursery stock rather than seed. Seed-grown trees may take 7-10 years to fruit and will not breed true to the parent variety. During the first 3 months after planting, the tree focuses its energy on root establishment, producing little to no new top growth. The root system quietly expands to anchor the tree and begin accessing water and nutrients from the surrounding soil.
Vegetative Growth and Canopy Development
The tree enters a phase of active vegetative growth, producing multiple flushes of new glossy leaves throughout the warm growing season. New growth often emerges with a slight reddish or bronze tint before maturing to deep green. The branching framework that will ultimately support years of fruit production is established during this phase. In warm climates, trees can gain 30-50 cm of growth per year.
First Flowering
Grafted clementine trees typically produce their first flowers 18 months to 3 years after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Flowering in clementines is usually concentrated in a single spring flush (March-May in the Northern Hemisphere), triggered by cooler winter temperatures. The pure white, five-petalled flowers are produced in clusters among the leaves and fill the air with a heady, jasmine-like fragrance. Clementines are not fully self-fertile — they set the best crops when cross-pollinated by another mandarin or clementine variety, though some varieties will set a small seedless crop with their own pollen.
Fruit Set and Development
After pollination, small green fruitlets develop rapidly. Clementines naturally drop a proportion of their fruitlets in early summer (the so-called 'June drop') — this is a normal self-thinning mechanism and not a sign of ill health. The remaining fruit grows steadily through summer and early autumn, accumulating sugars and developing its characteristic deep orange skin color as temperatures cool in autumn. The thin, loose rind that makes clementines so easy to peel develops during this phase.
Ripening and Harvest
Clementines ripen from October through January in the Northern Hemisphere depending on the variety, with most varieties reaching peak sweetness from November to December. The rind turns from green to bright deep orange as chlorophyll breaks down and carotenoid pigments develop. Unlike navel oranges, clementines will re-green in warm conditions even when fully ripe — taste rather than color is the best guide to ripeness. Fully ripe clementines are heavy for their size, slightly soft to gentle pressure, and separate from the tree with minimal effort.
Post-Harvest Rest and Renewal
After the main harvest is complete, the tree enters a quieter phase through the cooler winter months. This rest period — particularly the cool nights of winter — is important in preparing the tree for the following spring's flowering flush. It is the ideal time for any structural pruning required, for inspecting and treating any pest or disease issues identified during the season, and for applying a slow-release fertilizer to replenish the nutrients spent on the past season's crop.
Full Maturity and Peak Production
From around year 5-7 onward, a well-established clementine tree in a suitable climate enters its most productive phase. A mature tree in favorable conditions can yield 50-200 kg of fruit per year and will continue producing for 30-50 years or more with proper care. Annual cycles of spring flowering and autumn-winter harvesting become reliable and predictable. The tree develops increasing resilience to brief cold snaps and drought as its root system matures and deepens.
Water regularly but do not overwater — the goal is moist, not waterlogged soil. Protect newly planted trees from strong winds and frost. Stake if necessary. Avoid heavy fertilization during the first month to prevent root burn; introduce a dilute citrus fertilizer after the first 4-6 weeks once signs of new growth appear.
Caring for Clementine month by month
What to do each month for your Clementine
August
You are hereNo specific care tasks for this month.
Know exactly what to do in your garden — every month
One email at the start of each month: what to sow, plant, and tackle right now — for your Clementine and everything growing around it. Plus a short starter course that helps you dodge the classic mistakes.
- What to do, right now
- Matched to your season
- Starter course included
Harvesting Clementine
Clementines ripen from November through January, earlier than most citrus varieties. Harvest when the skin turns fully orange and fruit separates from the stem with a gentle twist. The fruit should feel heavy for its size, indicating good juice content. Clip from the tree with pruning shears, leaving a short stem. Clementines do not continue to sweeten after picking, so taste-test before harvesting the entire crop. Fruit left on the tree past peak ripeness develops a puffy rind and dry interior.
assuming you sow when the window opens — set your real date
Pick Clementine promptly and the plant keeps producing.
Storage & Preservation
Store fresh clementines at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for three to four weeks. Their thin, easy-peel skin makes them susceptible to drying out, so store in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer. Clementine juice freezes well in ice cube trays. Segments can be preserved in light syrup or dried into chewy, sweet snacks. The zest is excellent dried for use in tea blends, baking, and spice mixes. Make clementine marmalade or curd for a delicately sweet preserve.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Citrus Thrips
PestSilvery scarring and streaking on young fruit and distorted new leaves. Most damaging during bloom and early fruit set in spring.
Phytophthora Root Rot
DiseaseYellowing leaves, wilting despite adequate water, dark water-soaked areas on the lower trunk, gumming, and slow decline of the tree over months to years.
Sooty Mold
DiseaseBlack, powdery fungal coating on leaves and fruit surfaces. Does not directly infect the plant but blocks light and reduces photosynthesis.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The biggest challenge with clementines is producing seedless fruit, which requires isolation from cross-pollinating citrus varieties. Bees carrying pollen from nearby oranges or other mandarins will cause seeds to develop. Alternate bearing can be managed by thinning fruit in heavy crop years. Fruit splitting occurs when heavy rain follows a dry period during fruit development. Wind damage to the thin-skinned fruit is minimized by planting in sheltered locations or using windbreaks. Creasing, where the rind develops sunken lines, increases in overripe fruit.
Growing Tips
- Always purchase a grafted tree from a reputable citrus nursery rather than attempting to grow from seed. Clementine trees grown from seed rarely produce true-to-type fruit, take 7-10 years to bear, and the resulting fruit is often seedy and inferior. A grafted tree will fruit within 2-3 years.
- Select a variety suited to your climate. Early-ripening varieties like 'Marisol' and 'Oronules' are ready from October and suit regions with shorter warm seasons. Mid-season 'Clemenules' (Nules) is the world's most widely planted variety and produces large, sweet, virtually seedless fruit. Late-season 'Hernandina' extends harvest into January-February in mild areas.
- Plant in the warmest, most sheltered spot in your garden — ideally against a south-facing wall that radiates warmth and protects from frost. Clementines need long warm summers to develop full sugar content and cool autumn nights to develop their deep orange color.
- Drainage is non-negotiable. Clementines are highly susceptible to Phytophthora root rot in waterlogged soil. Plant on a slight mound if your soil is heavy or clay-based, and incorporate generous quantities of coarse grit and compost into the planting hole to ensure excellent drainage.
- For container growing, choose a large pot of at least 45-50 cm in diameter and use a specialist citrus potting mix. Place the container on castors or a trolley so it can be moved easily — bringing the tree indoors before the first frost and moving it back outside in spring is the key to success in cooler climates.
- Clementines are not fully self-fertile and crop most prolifically when cross-pollinated by another mandarin or clementine variety nearby. If space allows, plant two different clementine varieties or grow a satsuma as a companion pollinator. Note that cross-pollination will introduce seeds into what are otherwise seedless fruit — a worthwhile trade-off for a significantly heavier crop.
- Fertilize regularly through the growing season (March-September) with a citrus-specific fertilizer that contains not only nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium but also the trace elements magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Clementines growing in alkaline soils frequently develop interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the veins) indicating iron or manganese deficiency — treat by acidifying the soil and applying chelated iron.
- Water deeply and consistently during the fruit development period from June through September. Irregular watering — alternating drought and flooding — is the primary cause of fruit splitting, which ruins the crop. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose set on a timer is an excellent investment for clementine growers.
- Prune lightly in late winter or early spring after the risk of frost has passed. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and open up any very dense areas of the canopy to improve air circulation and light penetration. Avoid heavy pruning — clementines fruit on previous season's wood and excessive cutting severely reduces yields.
- In cold climates (below -3°C in winter), bring container trees into a cool, frost-free space such as an unheated greenhouse, conservatory, or garage with a bright window. The ideal winter holding temperature is 5-10°C — warm enough to prevent frost damage but cool enough to provide the rest period the tree needs to flower productively in spring.
Grow your best Clementine yet — and everything around it.
Start a free plan today. Lay out your beds, drop in your Clementine, and let PlotMyGarden handle the timing, spacing, companions and reminders from seed to harvest basket.
Pick your Clementine
Clemenules (Nules)
The most widely grown clementine worldwide, with excellent sweetness, easy peeling, and consistent seedless production. Ripens November to December.
Fina
A classic Spanish clementine with smooth, thin skin and sweet, delicate flavor. Slightly smaller than Clemenules but with excellent juice quality.
Caffin
A late-maturing clementine that extends the season into January. Good sweetness and few seeds when grown in isolation from other citrus.
De Nules
Identical to Clemenules in most respects but with slightly deeper orange skin color. Extremely popular in European markets for its consistent quality.
A mature clementine tree costing $30-60 from a nursery can produce 50-150 fruits per year once established, with large mature trees yielding significantly more. At typical supermarket prices of $0.50-1.00 per clementine (or $4-8 for a small net bag), a productive tree represents $50-200 or more in fruit value each season. Over a 30-year productive lifespan, the cumulative value of fruit from a single well-tended tree can comfortably exceed $2,000-4,000 — many times the initial investment. Home-grown clementines also eliminate the packaging waste associated with commercially purchased fruit, which is almost always sold in plastic netting or bags, representing an additional environmental saving.
Quick recipes
Clementine and Almond Cake
20 minutes prep, 55 minutes bakingA wonderfully moist, naturally gluten-free cake made by boiling whole clementines until tender, then blending the entire fruit — skin and all — into a fragrant batter with ground almonds, eggs, and sugar. The peel contributes an extraordinary depth of citrus flavor that no extract can replicate. This classic recipe is one of the best possible uses for a glut of home-grown clementines and keeps beautifully for several days.
7 ingredientsClementine and Pomegranate Winter Salad
15 minutesA vibrant, jewel-bright salad that makes the most of fresh clementines at the height of their season. Sweet clementine segments pair beautifully with tart pomegranate seeds, creamy feta, peppery rocket, and toasted walnuts, all brought together with a honey and clementine juice dressing. An ideal dish to showcase home-grown fruit at its peak.
8 ingredients
Clementine Marmalade
30 minutes prep, 1 hour cookingA lighter, sweeter, less bitter alternative to traditional Seville orange marmalade that makes superb use of surplus clementines from the garden. The thin skins of clementines produce a delicate, fine-cut marmalade with a bright floral flavor. Makes approximately 4-5 standard jars and keeps for up to a year when properly sealed.
5 ingredientsCulinary Uses
Clementines are the ideal snacking citrus, perfect for lunchboxes and after-school treats due to their small size, easy peeling, and seedless segments. The sweet, delicate juice is wonderful in cocktails, vinaigrettes, and fresh lemonade blends. Segments brighten winter salads with endive, walnuts, and blue cheese. Use clementine zest in shortbread, scones, and cream sauces. Candied clementine slices make elegant dessert garnishes.
What's inside
Health Benefits
- Excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful water-soluble antioxidant that supports immune system function, promotes rapid wound healing, and is essential for the synthesis of collagen that maintains the integrity of skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue
- Provides carotenoids including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin that the body converts to vitamin A, supporting healthy vision, skin cell renewal, and immune defense — particularly notable among citrus fruits for their relatively high vitamin A content
- Rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin and nobiletin which have demonstrated in clinical and laboratory studies to reduce systemic inflammation, improve endothelial function, and support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol profiles
- Supplies folate, a B vitamin critical for DNA replication and repair, making clementines a particularly valuable dietary contribution for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy, as adequate folate intake in early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects
- The soluble fiber pectin found in clementine segments and membranes feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supports healthy bowel function, and has been shown to help moderate the post-meal rise in blood glucose — an important benefit for metabolic health
- Limonene and other terpene compounds concentrated in the essential oils of the clementine peel have shown significant antimicrobial activity and are under active investigation for potential cancer-preventive properties, particularly in relation to breast and colon cancer cell lines
Where Clementine comes from
The clementine (Citrus × clementina) has a debated but fascinating origin story. The most widely repeated account credits Father Clément Rodier, a French missionary working at an orphanage in Misserghin, near Oran, Algeria, with discovering the fruit as a chance seedling in his garden around 1902. It is thought to have arisen as a spontaneous hybrid between a mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and either a sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) or a bitter Seville orange (Citrus aurantium). Father Rodier recognized its exceptional qualities — its seedlessness, easy-peeling rind, sweet rich flavor, and prolific bearing habit — and shared cuttings with local growers. French citrus researcher Louis Charles Trabut formally described and named the fruit in his honor in 1902. However, some botanical historians argue that an identical fruit was already being cultivated in the Canton region of China under the name 'Canton mandarin' long before Father Rodier's supposed discovery, suggesting the clementine may have simply been introduced to Algeria from the East and independently rediscovered. Regardless of its precise origin, the clementine spread rapidly through North Africa during the early 20th century. Algeria remained the world's dominant producer for decades, and the fruit became synonymous with the winter citrus season across France and southern Europe. Spanish growers, recognizing the clementine's extraordinary commercial potential, began large-scale cultivation in the Valencia and Murcia regions during the mid-20th century. Through intensive breeding programs, Spanish horticulturalists developed dozens of named clementine varieties adapted to local conditions, ranging from very early-ripening 'Marisol' in October to late-season 'Hernandina' in January. Spain rapidly became and remains the world's dominant exporter of clementines, supplying the majority of European and North American markets. The clementine reached North American retail shelves in significant quantities during the 1980s and exploded in popularity through the 1990s when clever marketing under the brand name 'Cuties' (and later 'Halos') positioned it as the ideal children's snack fruit — portable, sweet, easy to peel, and virtually seedless. Today, clementines are grown commercially across the Mediterranean Basin, California, South Africa, China, and Australia, and have become one of the most economically important citrus crops in the world. For the home gardener, they represent one of the most rewarding citrus trees to cultivate — relatively compact, reliably productive, and offering fruit of a quality and freshness that store-bought alternatives simply cannot match.
Clementine: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Clementine
The clementine is widely believed to have been discovered by accident in the garden of a French missionary orphanage in Algeria, Father Clément Rodier, around 1902, from whom it takes its name — though some historians argue it was already known in China centuries earlier.
Clementine questions, answered
When should I plant Clementine?
What are good companion plants for Clementine?
What hardiness zones can Clementine grow in?
How much sun does Clementine need?
How far apart should I space Clementine?
What pests and diseases affect Clementine?
How do I store Clementine after harvest?
What are the best Clementine varieties to grow?
What soil does Clementine need?
Why is my clementine tree flowering but not setting fruit?
My clementines are staying green even though they feel ripe — is something wrong?
How do I protect my clementine tree from frost?
When is the best time to harvest clementines and how do I know they are ready?
Can I grow a clementine tree indoors permanently?
What are the best clementine varieties for home gardeners?
You just read the theory. Now grow it on autopilot.
Everything that makes Clementine fiddly — the timing, the spacing, the companions, the harvest window — is exactly what PlotMyGarden handles for you, for every plant in your garden.
A plan that knows your weather
Set your location once. Get sow, feed and harvest dates built around your real last-frost date and live forecast — no more guessing from a generic seed packet.
From the “When to plant” sectionDrag-and-drop bed planner
Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.
From the “Growing guide” sectionCompanion conflicts, caught early
200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.
From the “Companions” sectionReminders you'll actually act on
“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.
From the “Harvest” sectionSuccession, scheduled
Want a harvest for six weeks, not six days? It spaces your sowings automatically and reminds you when each new block is due.
From the “When to plant” sectionA record that gets smarter
Every harvest you log teaches it your garden. Next year's plan starts from what actually worked in your soil, not a textbook's.
From the “Overview” sectionPlant these alongside Clementine
More Citrus
Keep Clementine away from these
Grow your best Clementine yet — and everything around it.
Start a free plan today. Lay out your beds, drop in your Clementine, and let PlotMyGarden handle the timing, spacing, companions and reminders from seed to harvest basket.