Mandarins

A late-season satsuma for extending the harvest after earlier varieties finish. Aoshima arose as a bud mutation of Owari in Japan and became an important late selection there. UCR lists November–January ripening at Riverside. Its main distinction is timing: a useful companion to an early satsuma when you want fresh fruit over a longer season.

Armstrong reached California from Louisiana State University’s citrus collection at Port Sulphur, where it was selected by nurseryman Albert Newcomb. California trials have included it among the early satsumas. UCR lists October–December ripening at Riverside. Its Gulf Coast background makes it an interesting selection for growers comparing regional satsumas.

Part of a collection assembled after severe freezes in China, China 6-22 was rated acceptable for fruit quality and vigor, and good for cold hardiness by its collectors. UCR lists October–November ripening at Riverside. Its survival history is interesting, but does not establish a dependable minimum temperature for your garden.

This satsuma traveled from Japan to China before reaching California under a collection number; its original variety name was never translated. The collector rated fruit quality, vigor, and cold hardiness as good. It ripens in Riverside’s October–December window. Its identity relative to familiar Japanese varieties remains unresolved—a useful qualification for collectors avoiding duplicates.

Cold survival prompted interest in this Japanese-derived satsuma collected in China. Its collector rated cold hardiness very good and fruit quality and vigor good. The original cultivar name was not translated, leaving its identity uncertain. Riverside ripening is listed as October–December. Its reported hardiness is promising, but has not established a reliable advantage over familiar satsumas.

Collected in China’s Hubei Province as “Hu8,” this selection received a very good fruit-quality rating from its collector, with good vigor and cold hardiness. UCR lists October–December ripening at Riverside. The favorable fruit assessment gives hobbyists a reason to investigate it, although detailed descriptions of its flavor and performance in California remain limited.

Fruit quality earned a very good rating when this satsuma was collected in Hunan, China. It reportedly originated in Japan, but its cultivar name was not translated; the collection code was Hu5. Growth and cold hardiness were rated good. UCR lists October–December ripening, although its relationship to named Japanese satsumas is still unclear.

A smoother peel than many satsumas is one of China S-9’s reported distinctions. Collected after severe freezes in China, it also showed promise as an early selection in California trials, near Miyagawa and Xie Shan in maturity. An interesting candidate for an autumn harvest, although its collection history should not be read as a guarantee of exceptional freeze tolerance.

Spain’s contribution to the satsuma family began as a bud mutation of Owari, discovered in Almazora in 1962. Clausellina offers an earlier harvest, with UCR listing October–November ripening at Riverside. Consider it alongside a later satsuma when your goal is to spread fresh picking across the season.

The distinguishing feature is color: Dobashi Beni develops a deeper orange-red rind than typical satsumas. It arose as a limb sport of Owari in Japan around 1940. Historical descriptions report good fruit quality and moderate tree vigor. Its colorful fruit adds a visible difference to a satsuma collection while retaining its familiar Owari background.

Developed in Louisiana for an early harvest, Early St. Ann was reported to produce larger, better-quality fruit and higher yields than Early Armstrong there. Louisiana harvest can begin in September; UCR lists October–November at Riverside. Its regional trial results are promising, but the harvest calendar will shift with your garden’s climate.

The familiar satsuma: tender, juicy flesh, mild sweetness, few to no seeds, and a thin rind that slips off easily. The productive tree develops a spreading, somewhat drooping shape and has good cold tolerance for citrus. Pick promptly when ripe; fruit loses quality if left hanging too long. Frost is a nucellar selection—a natural clone of its Owari seed parent.

A Black Sea connection gives Iveriya its history: this selection was collected on the coast of Georgia, then reached California through New Zealand. UCR lists October–December ripening at Riverside. Its parentage and distinctive fruit traits are poorly documented, so its main appeal is to hobbyists interested in regional satsuma selections and firsthand comparison.

Iwasaki helps open the satsuma season. Selected in Japan and adopted in Spain, it has been reported to ripen there in early to mid-September, with good flavor, color, and fruit size. The tree is vigorous and has performed well on Carrizo rootstock. California timing varies; UCR lists October–November at Riverside. Early fruit and strong growth are its principal attractions.

Kuno Wase reached California through New Zealand’s horticultural program. Its recorded Riverside season runs from October to December, but published information offers little detail on its parentage or distinctive eating qualities. An uncommon selection for a comparison planting; there is currently little evidence to favor it over established satsumas for a garden with room for only one.

Ripe fruit can arrive before the peel looks fully orange. Louisiana Early bears juicy, mildly acidic, generally seedless satsumas with tender flesh and an easy-peeling, pale yellow rind. Selected by LSU from a seedling population, it forms a productive, spreading tree with drooping, thornless branches. UCR lists October–November ripening at Riverside.

Miho comes from the same nucellar seedling work as Okitsu and closely resembles it, with differences in vigor and coloring. Compared with Miyagawa, historical descriptions report earlier maturity, higher sugars, and usually lower acidity. Young trees may color their fruit more slowly than Okitsu. An early satsuma for growers who prefer a gentler balance of sweetness and tartness.

Miyagawa helped establish New Zealand’s satsuma industry and is an important early variety. The fruit is juicy, easy to peel, and generally seedless, with a brighter acidic edge than some milder selections. Vigorous, productive trees can set heavily enough to benefit from thinning. California trials placed it among the earliest satsumas, although flavor should guide picking.

An early-ripening sport of Miyagawa, Miyamoto is reported to mature roughly 15–20 days before its parent. Its medium-sized fruit is rounder than Miyagawa or Okitsu, with good rind and flesh color and high sugar levels at maturity. Trees can set heavy crops. A useful selection for growers trying to bring the satsuma harvest forward; the precise lead varies with climate.

Selected in Japan and brought to California through Spain, Nichinan Ichigo belongs among the very early satsumas. Reports from Spain place it slightly ahead of Iwasaki, with good fruit quality and vigorous growth. California comparisons are less complete, so its exact harvest lead will need local observation. UCR lists October–November ripening at Riverside.

Okitsu arose as a nucellar seedling of Miyagawa, but earned its own name through useful differences: more vigorous growth, somewhat flatter fruit, and historically about a week’s earlier maturity with higher sugars. The fruit colors well, making it an established early-season option. Give the productive tree room to develop and judge ripeness by tasting as well as peel color.

Selma came to California from 2PH Farms in Queensland, Australia. Its recorded Riverside season is October–November, but little reliable information is available about its origin or distinguishing fruit qualities. Its appeal is chiefly to growers who enjoy evaluating uncommon citrus; a consistent flavor, size, or hardiness advantage over familiar satsumas has not been established.

An uncommon satsuma reported to originate in the former Soviet Union, later introduced to California through New Zealand. UCR records an October–December harvest window at Riverside, but provides little detail on its parentage or distinctive eating qualities. Its regional history is the main documented attraction; exceptional cold tolerance should not be assumed from its origin.

Ueno is an early sport of Miyagawa, reported to ripen up to two weeks sooner. Its medium-sized fruit has a smoother, thinner rind with deeper reddish-orange color than its parent. Reports also describe higher sugars, lower acidity, and good holding quality on the tree. A useful combination for backyard growers: an early start with some flexibility in when to pick.

Xie Shan stood out in California trials for early sugar development, easy peeling, and a distinctive flavor. High acidity could persist alongside those sugars, so sweetness alone does not mean the fruit has reached a pleasant balance. Imported from China, it was among the earliest satsumas evaluated, alongside Miyagawa. Taste several fruits before committing to the main harvest.

A Moroccan selection with practical advantages: trials there found larger fruit, better yields, and better holding on the tree than ordinary Fina. The rind is thicker and develops color later. It closely resembles Sidi Aissa, so their differences may be subtle in a backyard collection. Its main appeal is a productive tree with more flexibility in when to pick.

The classic clementine, with fragrant, sweet flesh, a gentle tartness, and an easy-peeling orange rind. Algerian is considered probably identical to Spain’s Fina. Fruit tends toward small to medium size. Cropping can be inconsistent without cross-pollination; compatible citrus nearby may improve fruit set but also bring seeds. A good choice for traditional clementine flavor.

An early sport of Nules, reported to ripen about three weeks before its parent. Fruit is relatively large, and trees are productive, though young growth can be thorny. Early harvest is its strongest attraction; published comparisons rate its flavor below some other early clementines. Pick when the flesh tastes ready: waiting for full orange color can invite puffy peel and dry, coarse flesh.

Caffin offers early ripening and strong rind color, with a somewhat thicker peel and mild flavor. The compromises matter: slow tree growth, sometimes small fruit, and a tendency to split. Fruit set can also be unreliable. An interesting option for comparing early clementines, but a demanding choice if your priority is an easy, consistently productive backyard tree.

Also called Bekria or Clementine 2000, this Moroccan mutation is known for early maturity and relatively low acidity. Rind color can be disappointing, so taste the fruit instead of waiting for a uniformly orange peel. It can be seedless without cross-pollination, but nearby compatible citrus may change that. Its mild flavor will appeal most to growers who prefer less tartness.

Clementard belongs to the late clementines, with Spanish harvests reported in January and February. That makes it worth considering for extending fresh picking beyond the main autumn crop. Trees are described as productive, with some tendency to alternate between heavier and lighter crops. California timing is less well documented, so the Spanish calendar is only a starting point.

A familiar Spanish clementine with juicy, high-quality fruit that is larger and ripens a little earlier than Fina. Clemenules and Nules are names for the same variety. Fruit can stay on the tree for a while after ripening, allowing several pickings, but the peel becomes puffy if left too long. Usually seedless in isolation; expect possible seeds in a mixed citrus garden.

Selected in Morocco for its early maturity and seedless crops, Fina Sodea carries the name of the organization that supplied its trees. That seedless reputation needs qualification: California trials produced plenty of seeds, so a mixed citrus garden may yield seedy fruit. Its main interest is as a Moroccan Fina selection for comparing autumn harvest and fruit quality.

Hernandina’s peel can stay partly green long after the flesh is ready to eat. This Fina sport retains its parent’s excellent fruit quality but colors much later, especially at the blossom end. It is used for late winter harvests in Spain. Trees are vigorous and can alternate between heavy and light crops; holding fruit too long can reduce juiciness and flavor. Taste before judging by color.

Marisol brings the clementine season forward, ripening about two weeks before its parent, Oroval, in Spanish reports. Its relatively large fruit makes a useful early snack, but this is a variety to pick promptly. Left hanging too long, the peel can become puffy and the flesh dry and coarse. Start tasting as the rind begins changing color; waiting for a perfect orange exterior may sacrifice quality.

Monreal’s defining tradeoff is dependable fruit set with plenty of seeds. Unlike ordinary clementines, it can fertilize itself, so planting it alone will not produce a seedless crop. Fruit otherwise closely resembles classic clementine and can be somewhat larger and sweeter. A practical choice if reliable production matters more to you than seedless snacking.

A late Moroccan clementine with medium-sized fruit and a slightly coarse rind. Its winter harvest can extend the season, but ripe fruit does not hold especially well on the tree, so plan to pick when ready. Performance has varied outside Morocco, and California timing should not be assumed to match North African harvest dates. Also historically marketed as Sunerine.

Oroval has a noticeably tart side: high acidity contributed to its loss of favor as sweeter clementines gained ground in Spain. For growers who enjoy a brighter flavor, that can be part of its appeal. California evaluations show juicy fruit with variable seed counts. Taste before picking, especially early in the season. It is also the parent of the earlier-ripening Marisol.

Larger fruit and better productivity than ordinary Fina helped distinguish Sidi Aissa in Moroccan trials. Its thicker rind colors later, and fruit reportedly holds better on the tree, giving home growers more time to pick. It closely resembles Ain Taoujdate, so collectors should expect a subtle comparison if growing both. Fruit size and harvest flexibility are its clearest practical attractions.

An Algerian-type clementine selected in Corsica for its suitability to local conditions. Its fruit is reported to be smaller than many other clementine selections, with Riverside harvests listed from October through December. The distinction is chiefly its selected lineage and regional performance; a markedly different flavor from ordinary Algerian should not be expected.

Rich flavor and deep orange fruit explain Daisy’s appeal. This Fortune × Fremont hybrid ripens in winter and peels reasonably well, but expect plenty of seeds. Trees can carry heavy clusters one year and much lighter crops the next. Fruit splitting and dry, coarse flesh in oversized fruit are additional weaknesses. Daisy SL offers a similar eating experience with far fewer seeds.

Daisy’s rich, distinctive sweetness with far fewer seeds: UCR trials averaged about two per fruit even with cross-pollination. The fairly large, deep orange mandarins peel reasonably easily and can hold good quality from December into February at Riverside. The thin rind can split, and crops may alternate between heavy and light years. A flavorful winter choice for a mixed citrus garden.

A Dancy tangerine × Mediterranean Sweet orange hybrid with richly flavored, very juicy flesh. Its reddish-orange fruit is fairly large and seedy, and the rind does not peel easily. That makes Dweet especially worth considering for juice or eating in slices. Pick when ripe; fruit does not hold well on the tree and the peel can become puffy. UCR lists December–January at Riverside.

Fresh mandarins in summer are Encore’s special attraction. At Riverside, flavor is often best from May through July, and fruit holds unusually well on the tree. The flesh is juicy and richly flavored beneath a thin, easy-peeling rind. Expect numerous seeds, uneven crops between years, and rind spotting that can make excellent fruit look less appealing. A useful late-season backyard variety.

Bred at Indio and particularly suited to hot desert conditions, Fairchild produces richly sweet, juicy mandarins early in the season. The fruit has a deep orange rind, but peeling takes more effort than with many mandarins and seeds are numerous. A compatible pollinizer improves production. The vigorous tree spreads widely; its flavor is the reward for accepting seeds and some peeling work.

Fairchild LS keeps the original’s rich, sweet flavor while greatly reducing its seed count—California trials averaged roughly two to three seeds per fruit. Its juicy winter fruit has a thin orange rind that becomes moderately easy to peel at maturity. Quality can hold into March. Mature trees may alternate between heavy and light crops, so managing crop load remains important.

Bright reddish-orange fruit, lively flavor, and easy peeling make Fremont memorable. This Clementine × Ponkan hybrid bears relatively young and holds fruit quality well after ripening, giving you flexibility in picking. Seeds are moderately numerous. Its upright, nearly thornless tree can leave fruit exposed to sunburn, so preserve enough foliage to shade the crop in hot gardens.

The bumpy rind opens to richly sweet, aromatic flesh that stays seedless even in mixed citrus plantings. Gold Nugget is a spring mandarin with unusually good holding on the tree, often extending picking into summer. It grows vigorously and benefits from pruning to manage size and uneven cropping. Some fruit may split, but flavor and a long picking season are its strongest backyard advantages.

Kara rewards patience: its juicy flesh stays tart until fully mature, then develops a rich, distinctive flavor. This Owari satsuma × King hybrid produces fairly large, seedy fruit, with Riverside harvests listed from February through April. The thornless tree has spreading, drooping branches and good cold tolerance for citrus. Fruit holds its flavor on the tree, although the rind can become puffy.

Developed at Riverside, Kinnow became a major citrus variety in Pakistan. Its very juicy flesh has a rich, aromatic flavor, but carries many seeds and a rind that clings more tightly than most mandarins. Fruit holds well on the tree through its winter season. Give this vigorous, upright grower room, and expect a strong tendency toward heavy crops followed by light ones.

Kinnow LS preserves Kinnow’s rich, sweet juice while cutting seed numbers dramatically—typically two to three per fruit even with cross-pollination. The large mandarins have a smooth rind and can hold good quality from midwinter into April. Trees grow vigorously upright and suit hot, dry climates. Heavy crops can lead to a light following year, so thinning may help keep production more balanced.

Small, sweet, easy-peeling fruit makes Pixie a natural backyard snack. The flesh is virtually seedless with a gentle flavor, and the late-winter crop can hold well into spring or even summer in mild locations. The tree itself is vigorous despite the small fruit. Crops can vary considerably from year to year, but its convenient size and long picking window make it easy to enjoy a little at a time.

Large, juicy mandarins with deep orange flesh and a rich sweetness that develops late in the season. Shasta Gold is virtually seedless even among other citrus, and ripe fruit can hold into April or May at Riverside. Its fairly easy-peeling fruit makes a substantial snack. The vigorous, spreading tree needs space and can alternate between heavy and light crops.

Tahoe Gold usually starts ahead of Shasta and Yosemite Gold, bringing richly flavored, very juicy fruit in midwinter. It is virtually seedless even in mixed plantings, with deep reddish-orange peel and fine-textured flesh. The important difference is harvest flexibility: ripe fruit does not hold well on the tree. Plan to pick promptly. Vigorous trees can alternate between heavy and light crops.

Easy-peeling, juicy fruit with a rich balance of sweetness and tartness, and almost no seeds even when other citrus grow nearby. Developed from W. Murcott, Tango is a practical winter-to-spring mandarin for mixed gardens. Its main challenge is overproduction: heavy crops and fruit left hanging past spring bloom can reduce the following harvest. Pruning and thinning help keep the tree in balance.

A sibling of Kinnow with very juicy, aromatic flesh and a lively sweet-tart flavor. Its small to medium fruit peels readily and holds quality on the tree, though some rind puffing develops. Seeds are part of the experience. The nearly thornless, rounded tree has a pronounced tendency to alternate bearing: a heavy crop of small fruit may be followed by very little the next year.

Yosemite Gold produces notably large, flattened mandarins with deep reddish-orange skin and richly sweet flesh. Virtually seedless even in a mixed citrus garden, the fruit peels easily when mature and can hold into April at Riverside. It is a satisfying choice for late-winter and spring eating. The vigorous, spreading tree can become fairly large, and crop size tends to vary between years.

An early member of Howard Frost’s King × Willowleaf family, Honey produces small, pale yellow-orange fruit with a rich, sweet flavor and numerous seeds. UCR lists November–January ripening at Riverside. The tree grows vigorously and strongly alternates between heavy and light crops. Its appeal is the flavor and California breeding history, with seediness and uneven production as clear compromises.

Pearl’s pale yellow fruit contains tender, juicy flesh with a pleasantly sweet flavor. Expect seeds and a fairly tight peel. Created by Howard Frost in California from Imperial grapefruit and Willowleaf mandarin, it ripens around November–January at Riverside. Fruit can be small outside the hottest districts, and quality declines if left hanging too long. The vigorous tree tends toward uneven annual crops.

Fortune extends the mandarin season into spring, around March–May at Riverside. Its orange flesh is juicy and richly flavored, but acidity can remain high well into spring, so taste before picking. Expect seeds. The vigorous, spreading tree can carry heavy crops and holds fruit well. Developed at Indio, it is best suited to growers with substantial heat and patience for a late harvest.

Also listed by UCR as US Furr, SRA 337 belongs to the Clementine × Murcott breeding family. It produces relatively large fruit, but seeds are a substantial drawback: historical Texas trials averaged about 22 per fruit. Riverside’s listed season is December–January. This accession should not be assumed to carry the scab resistance attributed to a separately selected Florida Furr line.

A lesser-known Clementine × Orlando hybrid with good flavor and a winter harvest, roughly January–March at Riverside. UCR’s older evaluations found a stubborn peel and a strong tendency to alternate between heavy and light crops. Its appeal is exploring another branch of the mandarin family; growers wanting effortless peeling and steady annual production should weigh those limitations.

The classic old Florida tangerine: fragrant, richly flavored fruit with a deep reddish-orange rind that peels easily. Expect seeds and a vigorous tree that can become large. It ripens around December–February at Riverside. Clip fruit from the branches to avoid tearing its delicate skin, and pick when ready rather than leaving it hanging for months.

Fallglo brings relatively large, juicy fruit into the early citrus season, with a November–December harvest at Riverside. This Bower × Temple hybrid has one conspicuous drawback: plenty of seeds, often more than 20 per fruit in UCR samples. It offers an early crop for growers who enjoy juicing or do not mind working around seeds.

Rich, sweet juice is Lee’s strongest attraction. This Clementine × Orlando hybrid ripens around November–January at Riverside and produces orange fruit with plenty of seeds. The rind can cling, though the sections separate readily once opened. Older California evaluations found pronounced swings between heavy and light crops, something to consider if this will be your only mandarin.

The familiar necked tangelo, often sold as Honeybell, has abundant juice and a lively balance of sweetness and tartness. Give the fruit time to mellow; Riverside’s season is January–March. The vigorous tree benefits from a compatible citrus pollen source for reliable crops, which can also add seeds. Orlando is not a suitable pollination partner.

Florida’s ‘Honey’ mandarin earns its name with exceptionally rich, sweet juice. The fruit is seedy, with a thin rind that clings, and ripens around January–March at Riverside. Watch crop load: Murcott can bear so heavily that it exhausts itself, causing branch decline or even tree collapse. Thin excessive crops and provide a warm, frost-sheltered location.

Deep orange fruit and rich, sweet juice make Nova an appealing early winter mandarin. It ripens around November–January at Riverside and can hold well on the tree. Seed count depends strongly on nearby citrus: isolated trees may produce seedless fruit but lighter crops, while cross-pollination can increase both yield and seeds. The tree is vigorous and can be thorny.

A round, juicy sibling of Minneola that ripens earlier, around November–January at Riverside. Its mild, sweet flavor suits fresh juice, while the tight rind makes hand peeling less convenient. The vigorous tree has distinctive cupped leaves and relatively good cold tolerance for a tangelo. A compatible pollen source improves cropping; Minneola is not a suitable partner.

Page packs rich, sweet flavor into small to medium fruit with tender, juicy orange flesh. It is rewarding for fresh juice as well as eating, provided you do not mind seeds. A Minneola × Clementine hybrid, it ripens around November–January at Riverside. The productive, nearly thornless tree can produce undersized fruit in dry climates, so fruit size is a more modest attraction than flavor.

Robinson offers early winter fruit with good flavor and attractive orange color, but California evaluations have been mixed. UCR’s older trees produced seedy fruit with coarse, sometimes dry flesh and showed twig dieback. The current selection was cleaned by shoot-tip grafting; UCR’s notes do not establish whether that resolved the historical problems. A variety for cautious experimentation.

Sue Linda is a selected Temple budline whose claimed improvement over ordinary Temple is not well documented. Temple’s attraction is rich, spicy flavor in juicy, seedy fruit. Heat is crucial: in California, good quality is associated with the hottest interior districts, and cooler sites can produce disappointingly tart fruit. Expect a late winter–spring harvest and a tree sensitive to frost.

Sunburst catches the eye with a smooth, deeply colored orange rind. This Robinson × Osceola hybrid ripens around December–February at Riverside. UCR’s older California observations praised its flavor but also recorded small, seedy fruit, difficult peeling, rind spotting, and fruit drop by March. It deserves local evaluation before being treated as a dependable easy-peeling backyard mandarin.

A little-documented cross of Temple tangor and Dancy mandarin, preserved in the UCR collection from material received at Thermal, California. Published notes do not establish a dependable harvest season or distinctive eating qualities. Its strongest appeal is to collectors who enjoy evaluating uncommon hybrids and comparing them with their parents.

This uncommon Temple × Minneola hybrid has orange flesh, an orange to reddish rind, and flavor described in Citrus ID as sweet-tart to sour. The tree forms a dense canopy and generally lacks persistent thorns. Reliable information on harvest timing, seediness, and backyard productivity is limited, making it a candidate for growers who enjoy evaluating an unusual cross.

A late-season Ortanique selection developed to reduce seeds while retaining its rich flavor and dark orange flesh. ‘LS’ means low seeded: Florida trials averaged about five seeds per fruit in mixed plantings. The rind can be peeled by hand but comes away in pieces rather than slipping off easily. Florida harvest runs January–March; California timing may differ.

Rich, distinctive sweetness and very few seeds make US Superna especially appealing for fresh eating. This Lee × Nova hybrid begins ripening around November in California and can hold good fruit into February. The juicy fruit is small to medium, moderately easy to peel, and sometimes pale outside despite being ready inside. The tree can become fairly large and tends to alternate between heavier and lighter crops.

Unusual cold tolerance is the standout feature of this Lee × Orlando hybrid; breeder reports compare it with satsuma, though that is not a guarantee in every garden. The medium fruit peels readily and has highly regarded flavor, but can be seedy. Riverside harvest is November–December. Pick promptly rather than storing the crop on the tree, and judge ripeness by taste because rind color can be unreliable.

An early Robinson × Lee hybrid with medium fruit and an October–December season at Riverside. Its major drawback is seediness: UCR describes roughly 15 seeds per fruit on average, enough to limit commercial interest. The tree becomes moderately large. It offers collectors another early mandarin to compare, but the seeds are a substantial compromise for everyday snacking.

Amoa 8 combines Moro blood orange with Avana mandarin, producing fruit with striking red flesh and a rind that can turn red to dark purple. It peels very easily, with segments that separate readily and good flavor, though numerous seeds are a drawback. Developed in Italy with ornamental appeal in mind, it offers unusual color in an edible mandarin-like fruit. Ripens December–January at Riverside.

An Italian selection of the traditional Mediterranean mandarin, chosen for fewer seeds while retaining the original fruit’s character. Its practical distinction is reduced seediness, not guaranteed seedlessness. Riverside’s harvest runs November–January. A useful option for growers interested in the Avana family who would prefer fewer seeds to work around.

A late selection of Sicily’s traditional Avana mandarin, extending the season into January–March at Riverside. The somewhat flattened fruit is sweet, with a pale orange to yellow rind and generally few seeds. Its main distinction is timing: reports place it as much as two months later than other Avana selections, useful for extending a home harvest.

Listed separately by CCPP as Cayman Ugli, this remains a poorly documented selection. Published information does not establish its harvest season, seed count, or a consistent eating-quality advantage over other Ugli introductions. Its appeal is to collectors interested in comparing Ugli selections; improved sweetness or cold tolerance should not be assumed from the name.

Cold tolerance is Changsha’s main claim to attention, accompanied by small, very sweet, juicy fruit. Expect numerous seeds, loose or puffy rinds, and potentially large swings between heavy and light crops. UCR’s older trees ripened November–January, although the current CCPP offering comes from a different source. A useful heritage mandarin to explore where winter hardiness matters.

A little-documented tangor supplied to California through Spain’s IVIA collection. As a tangor, it brings mandarin and sweet-orange ancestry together, but reliable descriptions of the specific CCPP selection’s flavor, seeds, harvest season, and mature size are limited. Best approached as a variety to evaluate, with its backyard performance still needing a clearer record.

This uncommon cross combines Clementine mandarin with Pearl tangelo, giving collectors a direct link between mandarin and grapefruit ancestry. UCR preserves it from material received at Thermal, California, in 1994. Published notes do not establish its harvest season or distinctive eating qualities, so sweetness, seedlessness, and easy peeling should not be promised.

An Australian tangor with large, exceptionally juicy fruit and rich, sweet flavor. Its dark orange flesh is attractive for fresh eating and juice; nearby citrus can make the fruit very seedy. Riverside’s season is January–March. The spreading tree has weak branch junctions that can break under a crop, and ripe fruit should be picked before quality declines.

An early selection from Queensland, with an October–December season at Riverside and a reputation for good rind color. Its original Australian growers stopped pursuing it because the skin broke down at maturity in their very hot climate. That limitation matters for hot inland gardens. Flavor and long-term California performance are less thoroughly documented.

A relatively slow-growing Australian selection with medium, seedy fruit and a January–February harvest at Riverside. Evaluations describe reasonable sweetness accompanied by high acidity, with disappointing quality in cool New Zealand conditions. There is little evidence of an eating-quality advantage over better-known mandarins; its strongest appeal is to collectors comparing Australian selections.

Hickson arose as a limb sport of Ellendale in Australia, ripening a little earlier and generally peeling more easily. Its juicy orange flesh has good flavor but commonly contains 12–15 seeds. Riverside harvest is January–March. Rootstock choice deserves care: decline on rough lemon, poor performance on trifoliate, and susceptibility to branch-junction rot have limited its popularity.

An early Australian mandarin with aromatic, pleasantly sweet-tart fruit and a thin rind that peels readily. It generally has few seeds, even in mixed plantings, and ripens October–December at Riverside. Pick promptly: flesh can become dry and granular, and quality declines after maturity. The upright tree can alternate between heavy and light crops; clip fruit to protect its delicate rind.

Iyo’s thick rind comes away readily, revealing tender, very juicy orange flesh with a rich, sweet flavor. Expect some seeds. This Japanese citrus grows vigorously and ripens around January–March at Riverside. Its weakness is keeping quality: fruit can deteriorate quickly both after picking and when left on the tree. Enjoy it fresh as it reaches maturity.

A Ponkan selection received from Taiwan, with a later Riverside season—January–March—than UCR’s standard Ponkan. That timing is its clearest documented practical distinction. Its precise origin and consistent differences in flavor, seeds, and productivity remain poorly described. Of interest to Ponkan enthusiasts looking to compare selections and potentially extend their harvest.

King produces unusually large fruit with deep orange flesh and a thick, sometimes very rough rind. The flavor can be rich, but it needs substantial heat; cooler California locations often produce disappointing fruit. Expect seeds and a late harvest, around February–April at Riverside. The open, upright tree holds fruit well, though exposed fruit can sunburn and heavily loaded branches can break.

A Japanese cross of Miyagawa satsuma and Trovita sweet orange, Kiyomi produces medium to large, very juicy fruit with an orange fragrance. UCR describes the fruit as seedless, though its page does not establish a Riverside harvest season. It is also a parent of Shiranui, making it an interesting choice for growers who enjoy tasting the varieties behind familiar hybrids.

Michal offers an early crop of good-quality fruit with a peel that comes away readily. Riverside’s season is October–December. The compromises are small fruit, variable seediness, and a tendency to alternate between heavy and light crops. It may be of particular interest in hot inland gardens, although local performance deserves more weight than its reputation elsewhere.

A South African hybrid selected in 1980, with a January–March season at Riverside. Its conspicuously coarse rind is the clearest feature in the published notes. Early observations involved too little fruit to judge internal quality reliably. This is a collector’s selection whose flavor and cropping deserve direct evaluation before making strong claims for a backyard orchard.

Ortanique’s exceptionally juicy orange flesh has a rich, sweet flavor that rewards waiting for its late season, around February–April at Riverside. The Jamaican tangor holds well on the tree, extending the picking window. Its peel clings more than a satsuma’s, and cross-pollination can produce plenty of seeds. The dense, rounded canopy makes an attractive medium-sized citrus tree.

Rich flavor and an easily removed peel give this old mandarin some appeal, but UCR’s evaluations found abundant seeds, early rind puffing, and sometimes chewy segment membranes. The flesh can be tender without being especially juicy. Pick as soon as flavor is ready; it is poorly suited to a long harvest window. Mainly of interest to growers comparing historic selections.

Ponkan’s loosely wrapped fruit peels and separates easily, revealing mild, aromatic flesh. The upright tree can be vigorous and tends to alternate between heavy and light crops. Riverside’s harvest is November–January. Fruit quality depends on climate, and California evaluations have been less enthusiastic than its international reputation suggests. Expect some seeds and pick before the rind becomes excessively puffy.

Very early ripening is Primosole’s chief attraction. This Italian cross of Miho satsuma and Carvalhais mandarin can mature around early October in southern Italy. A significant drawback is documented susceptibility to Alternaria fruit rot associated with fruit cracking and sunburn. Its early crop is appealing, but fruit condition and local disease pressure deserve attention.

An Australian seedling selection maintained in New Zealand since the 1930s and reported to perform well in that country’s cool northern growing districts. That history makes it interesting for gardeners exploring mandarins for milder coastal climates. UCR has not established a harvest season or detailed fruit-quality description for this accession, so California performance remains uncertain.

Tiny fruit is the point of Seedless Kishu: sweet, fragrant mandarins that peel easily and separate into bite-sized, seedless sections. Their size makes them enjoyable for snacking but laborious for juicing. Riverside’s listed season is December–January, sometimes earlier. Taste and pick as they mature; fruit can begin drying inside rather than improving indefinitely on the tree.

Large fruit with a prominent neck and rich sweetness makes Shiranui immediately recognizable. This Kiyomi × Ponkan hybrid is associated with fruit sold under the Sumo Citrus brand. The public CCPP selection is not reliably seedless: UCR trees have produced seeds at both Riverside and Exeter, with nearby citrus pollen a likely factor. Riverside’s listed harvest is December–February.

An uncommon mandarin traced to seed sent from India to Texas in 1959, later preserved by UCR. Its history connects it with northeastern India’s diverse citrus, but even its relationship to similarly named accessions is uncertain. Reliable descriptions of flavor, seediness, and California harvest timing are lacking. A selection for collectors who enjoy documenting unfamiliar fruit.

A Vietnamese mandarin with an unusually aromatic character, including a black-pepper note reported by tasters at UCR. Its small fruit can be quite seedy; the attraction is distinctive fragrance and flavor. Riverside’s season is January–March. A particularly interesting choice for growers exploring Vietnamese citrus and flavors beyond the usual sweet mandarin.

Ugli’s large, lumpy fruit hides juicy flesh beneath a thick, loose rind. This selection reached California through New Zealand and ripens January–March at Riverside. It generally has few seeds, but good sweetness is climate-dependent: subtropical fruit can remain acidic. Its New Zealand source does not establish improved performance in cool gardens.

A Moroccan mandarin with rich, sweet, juicy flesh and a thin rind that peels easily. It ripens around January–March at Riverside and holds well on the tree. Fruit can be nearly seedless in isolation but quite seedy near compatible citrus. Crops may alternate between heavy and light years. Despite the similar name, it is a different variety from Florida’s Murcott Honey.

Willowleaf brings fragrance to both garden and kitchen, with narrow aromatic leaves, graceful drooping branches, and sweet, juicy fruit in a loose peel. This traditional Mediterranean mandarin is seedy and can alternate strongly between heavy and light crops. Harvest is November–January at Riverside. Pick promptly once ripe; the rind puffs and flavor fades when fruit hangs too long.