When to Plant Mandarin in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Plant September to November. Right now in September you can plant.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Mandarin guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Mandarin

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Easy-peel citrus that's extremely popular in Australian home gardens. Huge variety range from early to late season, covering harvest from April to November. Imperial is the classic Australian variety. Trees are generally smaller and more compact than oranges or grapefruit, making them excellent for suburban gardens. Grafted trees fruit in 2-3 years. Most varieties produce heavy crops of sweet, easy-to-peel fruit that kids love.

Best Planting Window for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - - - P P P -

P = Planting window

Plant September-November.

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How to Grow Mandarin in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant September-November.

Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic. Reasonable tolerance of various soils.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun. 6+ hours direct.

Companion plants: Nasturtium, Comfrey, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Grass to trunk

Subtropical Growing Tips for Mandarin

Recommended Varieties

  • Imperial (early, May-Jul)
  • Murcott (late, Aug-Oct)
  • Emperor (mid, Jul-Aug)
  • Ellendale (late)
  • Afourer/Nadorcott (easy peel, excellent flavour)

Key Challenges

  • Citrus gall wasp
  • Fruit fly
  • Alternaria on susceptible varieties

Pro Tips

  • Plant early + mid + late varieties for harvest from April to October.
  • Imperial is the classic Australian mandarin, reliable and productive.
  • Net for fruit fly. Mandarins are prime targets.

Harvesting Mandarin

When ready: Full colour development (orange). Easy peel test, skin separates easily. Taste test is definitive. Sweeter the longer left on tree (within reason).

How to harvest: Cut with secateurs leaving short stub, or twist-pull gently.

Where to next

What mandarin costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

The pest most likely to find your mandarin: Possums (Common Brushtail, Ringtail).

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $4.13/kg (12-month range: $2.90–$10.53)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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Common Questions About Mandarin

When do you plant mandarin in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.