Citrus reticulata 'Fina' (Clementine)
- Herman Kraut
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Common Name: Clementine, Fina Clementine, Spanish Clementine
Scientific Name: Citrus reticulata fina
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Lifecycle: Perennial
The Citrus reticulata fina is one of the classic clementine mandarins, cherished for its thin peel, seedless fruit, and aromatic blossoms. Growing Clementine in Zone 8a means balancing Mediterranean heat with occasional frost snaps, but with patience, this citrus rewards growers with sweet winter fruit. Even before fruiting, the tree adds evergreen charm and pollinator-friendly blossoms to the orchard.
For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.
Plant Profile
Characteristic | Information |
Climate Suitability | USDA Zones 8–11; Köppen Csa (Hot-summer Mediterranean) |
Sun / Shade Needs | Full sun (6–8 hrs/day) |
Watering Needs | Moderate; deep watering weekly; reduce in cool months |
Soil Preferences | Well-draining sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.5 |
Spacing & Height | 3–5 m spacing; grows 2.5–4 m tall |
Propagation Method(s) | Grafted onto trifoliate or sour orange rootstock |
Planting Timeline | Autumn (Nov) or early spring |
Companion Plants | Comfrey, fennel, legumes, basil, oak & almond neighbors for diversity |
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses | Seedless fruit for fresh eating; blossoms for pollinators; evergreen cover |
Pest / Disease Considerations | Citrus leaf miner, aphids, rootstock suckers; protect from frost & sunburn |
Pruning / Harvest Notes | Light pruning of water shoots; harvest expected 3–5 years after planting |
Quick Plant Reference
Care Level: Moderate
Optimal Sunlight: Full sun
Water Needs: Deep weekly soak, more in heatwaves
Mature Size: 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft) tall, similar spread
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Humidity: Medium
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans; peels not recommended for pets
Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies, butterflies
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, easy-to-digest fruit
Chilling Hours: ~100–300 hours below 7 °C (45 °F)
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; benefits from nearby citrus for yield
Our Citrus reticulata 'Fina' Application @ Tough Kraut
We planted our Citrus reticulata fina on November 15, 2022, alongside other citrus cultivars—Newhall, D. João, and Citrus paradisi. It shares space with oak, almond, comfrey, and fennel, forming a diverse guild. So far, we’ve only pruned lightly, focusing on removing water shoots along the main stem. The tree hasn’t fruited yet, but we’re giving it time to establish strong roots before expecting any sweet harvests.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Note: Young Clementine trees often prioritize roots over fruit. See Field Notes for troubleshooting FAQs.
1. Choose the Right Site
Pick a sunny, frost-sheltered location with well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
Mix native soil with compost and a touch of sand for drainage. Aim for pH 6.0–7.5.
3. Plant the Tree
Keep the graft union 5 cm above soil level. Plant in autumn or early spring.
4. Water Consistently
Deep water weekly during summer; reduce frequency in winter to avoid root rot.
5. Ensure Proper Pollination
Though self-fertile, proximity to other citrus boosts yields and bee activity.
6. Prune Annually
Remove suckers and water shoots; shape canopy for light and airflow.
7. Manage Pests and Diseases
Check monthly for aphids and citrus leaf miner. Neem oil and beneficial insects help.
8. Harvest and Store
Expect fruiting around year 3–5. Harvest by hand-twisting fruit when fully orange.
9. Note
Protect young bark from sunburn with mulch or temporary shade. Frost cloth is helpful below -2 °C.
Kraut Crew Insight
Our Clementine may not be fruiting yet, but it’s teaching us patience. Light pruning and careful guild planning (with comfrey and fennel companions) are already helping it settle into our food forest. We’re confident that resilience today means sweet citrus in the years to come.
Photos
Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Clementine Cultivation Challenges
Troubleshooting Clementine in Zone 8a means balancing Mediterranean heat with occasional cold snaps. Below are FAQ-style fixes from our orchard experience.
Q: Why hasn’t my Clementine fruited yet?
A: Patience! Trees often take 3–5 years before producing. Ours is still focused on growth since planting in 2022.
Q: What about frost damage in Zone 8a?
A: Use frost cloths or even old blankets on cold nights. A mulch ring around roots also buffers cold stress.
Q: My leaves are curling and sticky. What’s wrong?
A: Likely aphids or leaf miner. Introduce ladybugs, use sticky traps, or spray neem oil.
Q: Should I remove water shoots along the stem?
A: Yes, pinch them early. These “suckers” drain energy from the grafted top.
Q: How do I prevent sunburn on young bark?
A: Paint trunks with diluted white latex paint or use temporary pallet shading, especially in the first two summers.
Recommended Books & Resources
Books
Citrus: Complete Guide to Selecting & Growing More Than 100 Varieties by Lance Walheim
A classic, grower-friendly reference covering variety choice, planting, pruning, nutrition, and cold-climate tactics; perfect for clementines and mixed citrus orchards.
Growing Citrus: The Essential Gardener’s Guide by Martin Page
Clear cultural guidance plus variety notes and container strategies; great for Zone 8a microclimates and patio backups.
Citrus Production Manual (UC ANR) edited by Louise Ferguson
Professional depth on rootstocks, canopy management, nutrition, and disorders; invaluable when troubleshooting stubborn non-fruiting trees or nutrient issues.
Successfully Grow & Garden Citrus Fruit Trees Using Pots & Containers by Madison Pierce
A concise, practical container playbook for readers pushing clementines through frost pockets or renting.
Resources
Trece Citrus Leafminer Trap Kit (pheromone traps)
Non-spray monitoring and suppression of citrus leafminer, which distorts new flush on young trees; set at spring flush and check weekly.
EDDHA 6% Iron Chelate (Grow More 1 lb)
The right chelate for high-pH/limestone soils common in Mediterranean sites; stays available to roots and corrects chlorosis fast compared to standard EDTA.
Surround WP (kaolin clay) particle film
A multi-benefit spray that reduces sunburn and heat stress on fruit and tender bark, while deterring certain pests during summer scorch.
Tough Kraut Resources
Our curated list of grafting gear, organic sprays, and homestead-tested tools for resilient citrus growing.
Entry last updated: 2025-10-04
This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.
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