Tangerines are like little balls of sunshine that brighten up your fruit bowl.
But tangerines are often GMO and travel long distances before arriving in your local supermarket, leaving them damaged or stale.
With a little bit of work, it’s possible to grow a thriving fruit tree inside or out. Plus, when it blooms, you’ll be surrounded by lovely sweet-smelling white flowers.
Scroll down to find out how to grow tangerines at home.
Why Grow Tangerines
Tangerines are similar to oranges, although they boast more vitamin A and iron than their cousins, as well as slightly less vitamin C.
Here’s a breakdown of a few of the nutrients they contain:
Flavonoids: These antioxidants fight cancer and boost cognitive function (1). This substance also improves heart health by improving blood flow through preventing blood clots and cholesterol oxidation (2).
Vitamin C: A medium-size tangerine contains 23.5 milligrams of vitamin C, which is equivalent to 39% of your daily value of the nutrient (3). Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, iron absorption, immune function, as well as preventing cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and wrinkles (4).
Vitamin A: vital for immune function, this vitamin is also essential for immune function, vision, reproductive health, cell growth and division, and communication between cells (5).
Folate: Essential for red blood cell production, folate plays a role in DNA and RNA formation and maintenance. It’s also important for the formation of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow as well as the conversion of carbohydrates (6).
Potassium: One of the seven essential macro minerals (along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, and sulfur), potassium is necessary for proper kidneys, muscles, nerves, heart, bone, and digestive system function (7).
According to Medical News Today, “High potassium intakes are associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes, a reduced risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.”
How to Grow Tangerines
Within 3-4 years, you’ll have a fruit-bearing tree in your own home! And all with minimal effort.
Planting:
You’ll need:
- A medium-sized flower pot with a drainage hole and saucer
- Organic soil
- Pebbles
- Organic tangerine seeds
Instructions:
- Place pebbles at the bottom of your pot for better drainage.
- Sow the seeds into a small depression in the soil and cover them well.
- Place the pot in a bright sunny place and water generously as it sprouts and strengthens.
Ongoing care:
- Water the plant when the first inch of soil dries out.
- Prune the tree as it grows, removing broken and withered branches.
- Once the tree grows stronger and thicker, fertilize it from time to time to give it a little boost.
- Replant in a larger pot every few years to help it grow taller and stronger and bear more fruit.
- It may take a few years for your tree to produce fruit, so stay patient. Once it’s strong enough, your tree will benefit from being planted outside if the weather permits. If not, you’ll have to pollinate it by hand for it to produce fruit.
Now you know how to grow tangerines at home for an endless stream of fresh, juicy, fruit!