Gold Nugget Mandarin Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on May 2, 2022

Planting instructions

Plant your Gold Nugget mandarin tree where there is full sunlight and excellent soil drainage. While these plants require plenty of water, they do not enjoy sitting in excessive moisture. If you grow this plant outdoors, ensure you give it enough space to expand. Although these trees are not huge at maturity, they can spread somewhat vigorously. Those living in regions colder than zone 8 will need to find a container for their Gold Nugget mandarin tree that is large enough to accommodate the entire root system.

Watering and nutrients

After you plant your Gold Nugget mandarin tree, you should give it water multiple times per week. Once the tree has become established, you can continue to give it water about once per week or about once every two weeks, depending on the weather and the overall soil dryness. Gold nugget mandarin trees also appreciate having plenty of fertilizer. Fertilize this tree once in early spring and at least once more in the late summer or fall. When fertilizing, use a blend that is specific to citrus trees or a general-purpose fertilizer with an equal mix of macronutrients.

Pollination

Gold Nugget mandarin trees hold both male and female reproductive organs on a single tree and attract insects to conduct pollination. As is typically the case, this variety is self-fertile but often produces a better harvest when cross-pollination takes place. However, since this plant produces seedless fruit, its chances of reproduction are limited. Rather than relying on seeds to create new trees, you should graft your Gold Nugget mandarin tree if you wish to create more.

Pruning

The branches of your Gold Nugget mandarin tree can be somewhat long and may struggle to support the weight of the fruits they bear. It’s wise to prune this plant to encourage a stronger growth habit so that it can hold more fruit until harvest time arrives. You’ll also want to prune to control the spread of this plant. While it is not exceptionally large, a Gold Nugget mandarin tree does produce vigorous growth and can appear a bit unkempt when you don’t prune it to shape.

Pests, diseases, and animals

Gold Nugget mandarin trees can encounter several common issues, such as citrus canker, anthracnose, and various forms of rot. Those rot issues are often the result of a Gold Nugget mandarin tree receiving too much soil moisture. Pests can also be a problem for this plant: Aphids, citrus leaf miners, and several types of scale insects can infest this cultivar. Fortunately, many of these insect issues can be resolved if you apply an insecticide.

Harvesting

Gold Nugget mandarin trees can become harvestable as early as March and will often continue to bear fruit throughout the entire spring season — and into the summer too. This longer harvest season is one of the top reasons why gardeners choose the Gold Nugget mandarin tree over other citrus options. During harvest, there should be plenty of fruits hanging from the branches. When ready for harvest, these fruits should have a consistent, bright orange color.

Achieving maximum results

Those who grow this plant in a container should take extra care to choose one that has great drainage. The Gold Nugget mandarin tree is not tolerant of standing water. Likewise, these plants are quite vulnerable to cold weather. When temperatures drop close to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to bring yours inside or protect it from the cold in some other way. These plants also may sprawl while they grow. Providing structural support can be beneficial for the overall form, especially when this plant is young.

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