Naartjie Trees

Clementine Naartjie Tree

The Ultimate Snack: Clementines are the smallest and sweetest members of the mandarin family. They are famous for being virtually seedless and having a very thin, smooth skin that is incredibly easy for small hands to peel.

Fruit Profile: High sugar content with a honey-like sweetness. They are the perfect "grab-and-go" fruit for school lunchboxes.

Requirements:

Size: Naturally compact and bushy, making them the best choice for large pots on a sunny balcony or patio.

Harvest: Typically ripens early in the season (May–June), helping you beat the mid-winter citrus rush.

Mandarin Naartjie Tree

The Traditional Favourite: If you are looking for that nostalgic, deep "naartjie" scent that fills a room, the Mandarin is for you. Varieties like the Nova are prized for their loose, "zipper-skin" that practically falls off the fruit.

Fruit Profile: Larger than a clementine with a more complex, aromatic, and tangy-sweet flavour. The segments are plump and incredibly juicy.

Requirements:

Resilience: Known for being remarkably cold-hardy, they handle the cooler nights in Walmer and Charlo exceptionally well.

Feeding: Use our CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) during the spring bud-burst to ensure a heavy, fragrant crop.

1. Soil & Drainage

Naartjies hate "wet feet."

The Mix: Dig a hole twice the size of the bag and mix your soil 50/50 with Pot & Barrel Triple Mix (R50).

The Mound: If your garden has heavy clay, plant the tree on a slight "mound" to ensure water drains away from the trunk.

2. Planting Depth

The Graft: Never bury the "bulge" at the base of the stem. Keep it at least 5cm above the soil line to prevent rot.

Bone Meal: Add a handful to the bottom of the hole for strong root growth.

3. The "Wind Shield" (PE Factor)

Naartjies have thinner branches than lemons and can be brittle.

Shelter: Plant in a north-facing spot sheltered from the direct Gqeberha South-Easter.

4. Water & Mulch

Consistency: Uneven watering causes naartjie skins to split. Keep the soil consistently moist.

Mulch: Use Bark Chips (R55) to keep roots cool, away from trunk.