A popular early ripening Clementine variety is known for its high-quality seedless fruit and early harvest, making it a favorite among citrus enthusiasts. The fruits with their intense red-orange color are considered particularly sweet and tasty. Citrus clementina Oronules only became known about 50 years ago and has since been cultivated and propagated mainly in Spain.
Origin: mutation of the clementine variety Fina discovered near Nules, in the Castellon area, Spain in 1970. Clementines are a citrus fruit hybrid between a mandarin orange (Citrus × deliciosa) and a sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis). Vigour: strong but slow-growing evergreen tree with a rounded canopy and dense foliage. A mature tree can reach a height of 2-2.5 m. It grows relatively upright. The leaves are narrow, leathery, glossy, vivid green and fragrant. The branches are thornless. Even without pruning, Clementines grow very compact. Rootstock: options suggested rootstocks are Carrizo/Troyer citrange. Grafting advantages are flowering and fruiting from the first year. Blossom: the tree is self-incompatible. Requires cross-pollination. The flowers are about 1.5 - 2.5 cm in diameter, very numerous, white and intensely fragrant. The main bloom is in spring (April/May) or fall (October/November) over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. There are some seed under cross pollination, but the fruit is seedless in solid plantings. Fruits: medium-sized, approx. 70 - 80 grams, with a slightly flattened shape. The rind is fine, highly appealing reddish orange when ripe, with soft consistency, pleasant to the touch and comes off easily, making it easy to peel. Flesh: of very good quality and practically seedless. Somewhat less aromatic than a mandarin, but very juicy. The juice quality is excellent with a high sugar content. Flavor: very sweet with high sugar and low acidity Harvest season: early variety, harvested about two weeks before the Oroval variety. Matures usually at the end of September in the main producing region of Spain. Yield: crops are medium high Disease resistance: the Oronules is not susceptible to any pests and diseases other than those common to all Clementines Frost resistance: tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. It is best suited for warmer climates, typically in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. In colder regions, frost protection is required. Container gardening: Clementines can thrive in pots, especially in colder climates where they are not frost-tolerant. Choose a pot large enough to accommodate the tree's growth, ensuring good drainage and using a citrus-specific potting mix. Regular fertilization, proper watering, and adequate sunlight are crucial for a healthy clementine tree in a pot. Place the pot on your balcony, patio, or in the garden. In colder climates, bring the clementine tree into a winter quarters or conservatory before the first frost. If you have a heated conservatory or a bright room, you can enjoy fresh Clementines from the tree all year round.
