Description
One of the Tango naartjie’s most attractive feature is that it is seedless, and known for it’s sweet, vibrant flavour with just the right balance of acidity. The fruit is medium-sized with a bright, deep orange color, and its thin, easy-to-peel skin makes it a popular snack for children and adults alike.
It’s good to know that this plant is drought-tolerant and can easily adapt to various soil and weather conditions.
Position
The Tango naartjie tree does well in cooler conditions and grows in many SA areas. They thrive in full sun but do not like extreme frost. Plant them about 3 metres away from other trees.
Size
This tree reaches a mature height of 3-4 metres.
Soil Type
Because citrus trees’ roots require more oxygen than other trees, it’s important to plant them in well-draining soil that stays moist but does not become waterlogged. A pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Mulch
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
Water this tree once every 10 to 14 days in summer and every 2 to 3 weeks in winter for about 45 minutes if the top 2.5 to 5 centimetres of the soil is dry. Generally, they thrive when they are flooded with water and then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Never overwater your naartjie tree.
Fertilising
Give your citrus trees the best chance to flourish by fertilising them well. Apply slow-release citrus fertiliser, or use our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser which is extremely beneficial for citrus trees.
Pruning
As with all citrus trees, Tango Naartjies can be left to grow without much pruning. If branches are diseased or dead, getting in the way of a pathway, those can be cut away.
Harvesting:
Pick your gorgeous, sweet naartjies from May to August, when their skins are orange with no green on them.
Pests & Diseases
It is important to watch out for pests like citrus psylla, aphids, scale insects, mites, and diseases like mildew.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) to prevent the spread of these pests and diseases. Hose the tree first, to remove some of the pests, and then spray well with EM Control. As the tree grows larger it will be healthy and pests will be a thing of the past. It is organic and more affordable than most other products.
Our Neem Oil Pesticide is also most effective at controlling and preventing garden pests.
