- The Clementine is a mandarin variety and a moderate grower, usually reaching heights of around 10 to 12 feet. In commercial growing conditions, Clementine trees are often kept clipped shorter for easier picking. Very old trees may continue to grow, reaching heights of up to 25 feet when conditions are favorable.
- Clementine trees produce a round to elliptical fruit between 2 and 2-3/8 inches in width. These tangerines have a deep reddish-orange peel with a glossy surface and loose attachment to the fruit. Clementines produce eight to 12 segments per fruit and tend to be seedless, but cross-pollinated varieties bear three to six seeds. The fruit is highly ornamental and keeps well on the tree for months after ripening.
- Like many other citrus fruits, Clementines are often grown on different rootstock. Most trees are budded on sour orange, which tolerates cold well but is susceptible to tristeza virus. Rootstock choice greatly affects the height, width and volume of the canopy, according to Scientia Horticulturae. Clementines grown on Palestine sweet lime and Estes rough lemon produce smaller trees with significantly reduced volume. When grafted onto dwarf rootstocks, Clementines produce 8 to 10 foot tall trees that can be grown in pots or small spaces. These smaller trees still yield full-size fruit.
- Clementines prefer well-drained soils in sunny locations and should never be exposed to extremely cold weather. Poor nutrition, too little water or exposure to cold can stunt these trees' growth. In regions where freezing weather occurs in winter, plant Clementine trees only in containers and move them indoors during cold snaps or protect the trees with tents, mulch or supplemental heating methods.
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