Can Mandarin oranges be grown in the north? An analysis of growing conditions

SummaryMandarin oranges cannot be grown in the north, because the climate conditions in the north are not suitable for growing Mandarin oranges. Mandarin oranges need to grow in places with a warm climate and sufficient sunlight. Too low a temperature will cause frost damage to the leaves of Mandarin orange trees, and insufficient sunlight will affect the sweetness of Mandarin oranges. It is best to ensure 1200-2200 hours of annual sunshine to ensure the yield and quality of Mandarin oranges.

Mandarin oranges cannot be grown in the north. The temperature suitable for the growth and development of Mandarin oranges is 12.5-37°C. If the temperature is too low, rock sugar oranges will suffer frost damage. When the temperature is minus 4°C, the branches and leaves of Mandarin oranges will suffer frost damage. When the temperature is minus 5°C, the large branches and trunk of Mandarin orange trees will be frostbitten. When the temperature is minus 6.5°C, Mandarin orange trees will freeze to death.

When Mandarin oranges differentiate flower buds in autumn, the daytime temperature should be around 20°C, and the nighttime temperature is best around 10°C. The soil temperature required for root growth is basically consistent with that above ground.

Conditions for growing Mandarin oranges

1. Temperature and sunlight

The temperature suitable for the growth and development of Mandarin oranges is about 12.5-37°C. Too high or too low a temperature will affect the growth of Mandarin oranges. When the air temperature and soil temperature are higher than 37°C, the fruit and roots of Mandarin oranges will stop growing.

Temperature has a certain effect on fruit quality. As the temperature rises, the sugar content and soluble solids of Mandarin orange fruit will also increase, and the quality of Mandarin oranges will be improved.

Although Mandarin oranges have relatively strong shade tolerance, in order to ensure yield, it is best to ensure about 1200-2200 hours of annual sunshine when planting.

For example, in South China, where the temperature is relatively high and sunlight is sufficient, the sugar content of Mandarin oranges will be higher, while in Chongqing, where there is less sunlight, the acid content of Mandarin orange fruit is relatively high, affecting quality and taste.

2. Soil

Mandarin oranges do not have very high requirements for soil. Generally, purple soil, red-yellow soil, sandy beach or sea soil can all be used for planting. They can grow when the pH value in the soil is controlled between 4.2-8, and the most suitable pH value is 5.5-6.5.

The root growth of Mandarin oranges has relatively high requirements for the oxygen content in the soil. It is best to choose soil that is loose, has good structure, and has good drainage performance for planting. The organic matter content in the soil should be 2-3%.

3. Water

Mandarin oranges will grow better when planted in tropical and subtropical areas with annual precipitation of about 1000 mm. If the precipitation distribution in the planting area is uneven or insufficient, timely irrigation is needed to ensure sufficient water.

The relative water content of the soil for planting Mandarin oranges is best controlled at about 60-80%. If the water content is lower than 60%, irrigation is needed. If there is too much rain, causing waterlogging in the soil, or if the groundwater level in the planting park is relatively high and drainage performance is relatively poor, it will cause the death of the roots of Mandarin orange trees. The air humidity for planting Mandarin oranges is best controlled at about 75%.