Mandarin Afourer

• Afourer mandarins originated from Morocco and are prized for their late harvest season extending from June to September in Australia
• The fruit has distinctive sweet flavour with low acidity, thin easy-peel skin, and exceptional keeping qualities lasting months in storage
• Trees are naturally compact making them ideal for small gardens and container growing with moderate cold tolerance
• This variety is known for consistent heavy cropping and requires minimal cross-pollination, being largely self-fertile
• The late harvest timing makes Afourer valuable commercially and for home gardeners wanting fresh citrus in winter

• Water deeply once or twice weekly in summer, reducing to weekly in winter - check soil moisture 5cm down before watering
• Position in full sun location protected from strong winds, minimum 6 hours direct sunlight for optimal fruit development
• Use well-draining citrus potting mix or improve garden soil with compost and sand for proper drainage
• Apply citrus fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn, reducing to quarterly in winter months
• Prune lightly in late winter removing dead, crossing or inward-growing branches to maintain open canopy
• Maintain consistent soil moisture during fruit set and development periods from spring through summer
• Mulch around base keeping mulch away from trunk to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Plant in full sun position with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best fruit production and tree health
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings - increase frequency during fruit development
• Maintain soil pH between 6.0-7.0 with good drainage using quality citrus potting mix for containers
• Feed monthly during growing season with citrus-specific fertiliser containing trace elements like iron and zinc
• Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood, avoiding heavy pruning which reduces fruit yield

• Citrus gall wasp creates woody lumps on branches - prune affected areas in winter and apply preventive sprays in spring
• Scale insects appear as small brown bumps on leaves and stems - treat with horticultural oil or systemic insecticide
• Root rot from overwatering causes yellowing leaves and decline - improve drainage and reduce watering frequency
• Citrus leaf miner creates silver trails in leaves - spray with oil-based treatments during new growth periods
• Aphids cluster on new growth causing leaf curl - spray with insecticidal soap or encourage beneficial insects