Minneola Mandarin

Citrus × tangelo ‘Minneola’ | Bright bell-shaped fruit with juicy, sweet-tart flavour

The Minneola Mandarin is a distinctive citrus hybrid known for its striking bell-shaped fruit, glossy rind that deepens to a rich reddish-orange at maturity, and aromatic, juicy flesh. A cross between a mandarin and a grapefruit, it blends tangerine-like sweetness with a refreshing tang, making it excellent for fresh eating, juicing, and culinary use.

Plant Care

Sun: Full sun — essential for strong growth and abundant fruiting
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained; enrich sandy or poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure
Water: Moderate — keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit development
Fertilizer: Balanced citrus feed in early spring and again midsummer for best fruit yield
Pruning: Light pruning after harvest to maintain shape, open the canopy and remove dead or crossing branches
Top tip: Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Protect roots and young trees from frost in colder areas.

Specifications

Botanical name: Citrus × tangelo ‘Minneola’
Common name: Minneola Mandarin (Minneola Tangelo)
Growth habit: Vigorous, semi-spreading tree with dense canopy
Size: ±2.5–4 m H × ±2–3 m W (can be maintained smaller in large containers)
Fruit: Medium to large, bell-shaped fruit with smooth, glossy rind that turns deep orange when mature
Flesh: Juicy, aromatic, sweet-tart flavour; few to moderate seeds
Harvest: Late summer through winter, depending on region
Uses: Fresh eating, juicing, zesting, desserts, salads, and ornamental planting

Quick Facts

• Distinctive bell-shaped fruit with vivid orange rind
• Juicy and aromatic with a balanced sweet-tart taste
• Excellent for gardens or large pots in full sun