• Mandarin - Afourer flyingdragonnursery
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Mandarin - Afourer

$44.00
$44.00
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Rootstock

Afourer is a highly productive, mid to late-season mandarin widely grown for its reliable cropping and excellent fruit quality. It produces medium-sized fruit with a characteristic flattened shape and vibrant orange skin.

The rind is thin, smooth, and easy to peel, revealing juicy, orange flesh with a rich, sweet flavour. Fruit is typically low-seeded and can be virtually seedless when grown away from other citrus varieties that may cause cross-pollination (Lemons, Grapefruit and Limes)

Afourer extends the citrus season nicely, fruiting from late winter into spring (August through October in NZ conditions), with some variation depending on climate.

The tree is moderately vigorous, evergreen, and well suited to home gardens and orchards alike. Its heavy cropping habit and consistent performance have made it a popular commercial variety.

Best planted in a warm, sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. Protect from strong winds, water regularly during establishment, and apply citrus fertiliser annually for best results.

Rootstock options:

Trifoliata (Standard)  - Tree will grow to around 2.5 metres high and 2 metres wide. Best option if you have plenty of space and want a full sized, productive tree.

Flying Dragon (Dwarf)  - Tree will grow to around 1.8 metres high and wide. Best option for growing in a container/pot, small garden, or for those who prefer a compact, uniform citrus tree.

The fruit produced on both rootstock options is the same, as each tree is grafted from the same high-quality mother plant. While rootstocks primarily influence tree size and growth habit, they can also affect natural sugar levels in the fruit.

At our nursery, we select premium rootstocks specifically for strong performance in New Zealand conditions, with excellent pest and disease resistance, cold tolerance, and long-term resilience. Importantly, both our chosen Trifoliata strain and Flying Dragon rootstocks are selected because they support higher natural sugar development, helping produce sweeter fruit compared to many standard rootstocks commonly used elsewhere.

Citrus Care Tips

Watering: Citrus plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil and weather conditions. Water the plant until the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and drop.

Fertilising: Feed citrus plants with a balanced fertiliser (such as a 10-10-10 formula) every month during the growing season (spring and summer). Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertiliser or a liquid fertiliser. Citrus plants also benefit from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.

Pruning: Prune citrus plants to remove dead or damaged branches, and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts.

Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites, which can damage citrus plants. These pests can be controlled through the use of natural methods such as introducing beneficial insects, or by using pesticides as a last resort

Sunlight: Citrus plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. In most cases, a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. 

 Soil: Citrus plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. If your soil is not suitable, you can improve it by adding compost or peat moss to increase the organic matter content.

Pollination: Citrus plants are self-pollinating, which means that they do not need to be pollinated by another plant in order to produce fruit. However, the presence of bees and other pollinators can help to improve the quality and quantity of fruit. To attract pollinators, consider planting flowering plants near your citrus trees.

Temperature: Citrus plants thrive in warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, as long as they are protected from frost. 

Mulching: Mulch around the base of your citrus plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a mulch that is well-draining, such as wood chips or pine needles. Avoid using a mulch that is too thick, as this can prevent water and air from reaching the roots.

Pruning for fruit production: To encourage fruit production, prune your citrus plant to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any branches that are diseased or damaged.
Pesticide use: If you need to use pesticides on your citrus plant, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid exposure. Avoid applying pesticides when pollinators are present, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling pesticides.
Mandarin - Afourer flyingdragonnursery


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