Changsha mandarin pollination

12 years ago

My "Changsha" mandarin has been completely hardy outdoors here in SE VA for 6 years, and last spring was completely covered in blooms. However, not one fruit was produced. Since there were no freezes, frosts or other adverse weather events after the flowers opened, I can only assume they weren't pollinated, although I did see bees and other insects visiting the tree. Does this variety require another cultivar for successful pollination and fruit production, and if so, what would be a possible match? Poncirus trifoliata is also hardy here, if that would work, but almost no other citrus will survive even the mildest of our winters.

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Comments (4)

samuelforest
12 years ago
I think mandarin trees need to cross pollinate, so you will need another mandarin tree that bloom at the same time to get some fruits.

Sam
mrtexas
12 years ago
Most citrus including Changsha do not need cross pollination and only produce seeds that are clones even if pollinated, called polyembrony. Bad luck I suppose!

Here is a link that might be useful: mrtexas
tantanman
12 years ago
Is this tree a seedling? It is quite common for seedling trees to bloom and not bear fruit or drop all fruit for a year or two before holding a crop.

I had several trees to skip blooming this spring due to the long and terrible winter.
bubba62
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, all. It's not a seedling - it was rooted cutting given to me by a friend about 10 years ago, but this was its first bloom, so maybe that is a factor.