The Story
Plant Bio
Citrus x tangelo is a small, spiny evergreen tree with a dense rounded canopy of glossy leaves, reaching 8 to 15 feet in gardens where grafted trees stay compact. In early to mid spring it carries clusters of white star-shaped flowers with sweet citrus scent at the branch tips, followed by large loose-skinned fruit that ripens in winter to early spring.
This is the tangerine crossed with grapefruit or pomelo, which accounts for the large size, easy-peeling rind and tart-sweet juice that neither parent gives alone. Grafted selections vary in habit and hardiness, with Orlando holding cupped foliage and better cold tolerance while Minneola sets larger crops only when cross-pollinated and its seed count rises with fruit size.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
144"
Width
144"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived woody tree
Native To
Garden hybrid - native nowhere
Toxicity
Unknown; spiny thorns present
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in full sun in coarse well-drained soil with the graft union several inches above grade and grass cleared from the root zone.
- Water deeply once or twice per week, letting the surface dry between waterings and never leaving the crown wet.
- Prune lightly after fruiting to remove dead, crossing or damaged wood only; do not cut hard into old wood each year.
- Move containers indoors or under frost cloth before first frost in zone 8 and lower; Orlando tolerates more cold than Minneola.
Pro Tip
Plant high with the graft union well clear of the soil and prioritize sharp drainage over feeding; prolonged wet feet is what kills the tree.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant high in well-drained soil and keep mulch and grass back from the trunk.
- Start with certified clean budwood and inspect new flush for psyllids, aphids and leafminer.
- Provide a compatible pollinator for Minneola to increase fruit size and yield.
Don't
- Do not leave the tree in waterlogged soil or bury the graft union.
- Do not prune hard every year or cut back into bare old wood.
- Do not grow from seed when you want true-to-type fruit.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tangelo questions
What zones can Tangelo grow in?
Tangelo is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10: in that range it survives winter in the ground. Colder than Zone 7, winters are too cold for it to survive outdoors.
When does Tangelo bloom?
Tangelo typically blooms in early to mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tangelo need full sun?
Tangelo does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Citrus to compare
Meyer Lemon
Citrus limon 'Meyer'
Key Lime
Citrus aurantiifolia
Eureka Lemon
Citrus limon 'Eureka'
Moro Blood Orange
Citrus sinensis 'Moro'
Sanguinello Orange
Citrus reticulata 'Sanguinea'
Calamondin
Citrus mitis
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tangelo with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.