Tangelo Tree

Tangelo is a cross between a tangerine and a pomelo.

It was bred from a tangerine for its sweetness, ease of peeling, and deep orange color. The pomelo, similar to grapefruit, adds a more complex flavor to the tangelo, including tartness and bitterness, as well as a larger overall size and juice content.

Botanical name: Citrus x tangelo

Other names: Honeybell tree, Minneola tree, tangelo citrus tree

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Tangelo tree is a medium-sized citrus tree that can reach 18 feet in height and 10 feet in width.

It has dense, deep green foliage. The evergreen leaves are tear-drop shaped.

Small, white flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance.

They are followed by tangelos, which are round with a small bump where they meet the stem. They are green when young and turn into a deep orange color as they ripen. They have orange flesh with few seeds. The skin is thick and easy to peel.

Tangelos are not common at grocery stores and make great gifts. They have a unique flavor profile that includes sweetness, tartness, and bitterness.

Ease of peeling makes for an easy, portable snack. The high juice content makes it great for juicing.

Tangelo trees are known for their vigor and hardiness.

Keep it in a container and overwinter indoors if your region experiences below-freezing temperatures.

The tangelo tree is a hybrid between a tangerine (Citrus reticulata) and a pomelo (Citrus maxima) tree.

Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to acidic. Use a fertilizer formulated for citrus trees.

Temperature: It can withstand temperatures down to 32 degrees for a short period of time. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, we recommend overwintering it indoors.

Water: Moderate water needs. Regular deep watering, especially when blooming and fruiting and during heat waves. Do not allow soil to dry out completely for an extended period. More drought-tolerant once mature.

Sun: Full sun

Pests: Tangelo trees may attract pests such as aphids, scale, and glassy-winged sharpshooters.

For aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Our citrus trees have been sprayed for glassy-winged sharpshooters as mandated by our county to help prevent their infestation. If you do spot them, use yellow sticky traps and contact your local agricultural experts such as UC Coop extension specialists.

Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Signs of overwatering: Root rot, drooping leaves

Signs of too little water: Browning and drying leaves

Signs of too much sun: Leaf burn, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, stunted growth, few flowers

The easiest way to propagate a tangelo tree is through cuttings. Using a sharp tool, obtain 1-foot-long semi-hardwood cuttings and plant them in the soil. Keep the soil moist until the tree is well established.

HOW MUCH DOES a Tangelo Tree COST?

At our nursery, tangelo trees cost $45 for a 5-gallon container, $150 for a 15-gallon container, $325 for a 24” box, and $750 for a 36” box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

When should I harvest tangelos?

In our Palm Springs region, tangelos typically ripen in the springtime. Wait for them to develop a deep orange color.

What do tangelos taste like?

Tangelos were bred from tangerines for sweetness and pomelos for tartness and bitterness.