Citrus reticulata ‘Imperial’ is a hugely successful and widely grown mandarin cultivar, particularly favoured in Australia for its reliability and early-season harvest. It forms a vigorous, medium-sized, evergreen tree with a slightly weeping habit and generally low thorn count. The fruit is small to medium in size, slightly flattened, and has a bright orange colour when ripe. Its most prized characteristics are the very sweet, juicy flesh and the loose, thin rind that makes it exceptionally easy to peel—a perfect snack for children. It is one of the earliest mandarins to ripen, typically ready for harvest from late autumn to early winter. It is an excellent choice for a backyard orchard due to its heavy and consistent cropping.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the sweetest fruit and best production. Shelter the tree from strong winds.
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Climate: Best suited to Warm Temperate and Subtropical climates. It has good cold tolerance but protect young trees from heavy frost.
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Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay or areas where water may collect, as citrus plants are susceptible to root rot.
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Watering: Water regularly and deeply, especially when the tree is flowering, setting fruit, and the fruit is swelling. Consistent watering prevents the fruit from drying out and improves flavour.
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Fertilising: Citrus are heavy feeders. Use a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertiliser specifically for citrus in early spring, mid-summer, and early autumn.
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Pruning: Prune lightly to shape the tree and maintain an open canopy for good light penetration, which is important for fruit quality. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
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Harvest: Fruit ripens early in the mandarin season (late April/May in Australia). Leave the fruit on the tree until fully ripe for maximum sweetness.
