Top 20 Clementine Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest
Clementines are compact, easy-to-grow citrus trees prized for their sweet, seedless fruit and glossy evergreen foliage. A hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange, clementines are especially popular with home growers because they crop reliably in containers, respond well to pruning, and produce fruit that’s easy to peel and perfect for fresh eating.
While native to warmer regions, many clementine varieties grow very successfully in cooler climates when kept in pots and given winter protection. With the right variety and care, a single tree can produce dozens—sometimes hundreds—of fruits each year.
This guide covers the top 20 clementine varieties to grow, along with practical tips and advice to help you achieve healthy growth and a dependable harvest.
⭐ Recommended Products for Growing Clementines Successfully
Clementine trees thrive with warmth, excellent drainage, and regular feeding. The following essentials help ensure strong growth and consistent fruiting.
• Citrus Pots or Large Containers with Drainage
Clementines prefer to be slightly root-bound but need free drainage. Containers also make it easy to move plants under cover in winter.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Citrus or Free-Draining Compost
A specialist citrus compost supports healthy roots, prevents waterlogging, and supplies essential nutrients for flowering and fruit set.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Citrus Feed with Trace Elements
Regular feeding from spring to autumn keeps foliage deep green and encourages heavy flowering and fruit development.
👉 Click here to see top options
What Are Clementines?
Clementines (Citrus × clementina) are small citrus fruits known for their bright orange skin, sweet flavour, and easy peeling. They are typically seedless when grown away from other citrus types and are ideal for eating fresh.
- Flavour: Sweet, mild, aromatic
- Growth habit: Compact evergreen tree
- Fruiting season: Late autumn to winter
- Uses: Fresh eating, desserts, juicing
Clementines are among the best citrus fruits for container growing.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Clementines
- Soil: Free-draining, slightly acidic
- Position: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Temperature: Protect from frost below 5°C
- Watering: Regular, but never waterlogged
- Feeding: Spring to early autumn
In cooler regions, trees should be overwintered in a conservatory, greenhouse, or bright indoor space.
Top 20 Clementine Varieties to Grow
1. Clementine de Nules
One of the most popular varieties worldwide.
- Very sweet fruit
- Seedless
- Heavy cropping
Excellent all-round clementine.
2. Corsica Clementine
Traditional Mediterranean variety.
- Rich flavour
- Aromatic fruit
- Reliable yields
Classic dessert clementine.
3. Fina Clementine
Early-season variety.
- Thin skin
- Sweet flesh
- Easy peeling
Great for early harvests.
4. Clemenules
Improved Nules selection.
- Large fruit
- Excellent sweetness
- Consistent cropping
Highly regarded by growers.
5. Oronules
Early-maturing type.
- Bright colour
- Mild sweetness
- Good flavour
Ideal for shorter seasons.
6. Marisol
Early ripening clementine.
- Slightly sharper flavour
- Attractive fruit
- Good productivity
Popular early variety.
7. Hernandina
Late-season clementine.
- Very sweet fruit
- Excellent keeping quality
- Strong growth
Extends the harvest season.
8. Loretina
Early and productive variety.
- Medium-sized fruit
- Sweet flavour
- Reliable cropping
Good for containers.
9. Satsuma Clementine
Cold-tolerant hybrid type.
- Very easy to peel
- Sweet flavour
- Good cold resistance
Ideal for cooler climates.
10. Clemenpons
Productive garden variety.
- Uniform fruit size
- Sweet flesh
- Strong growth
Reliable performer.
11. Basol Clementine
Early Spanish variety.
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options
- Thin skin
- Aromatic flavour
- Attractive fruit
Good fresh eating clementine.
12. Esbal Clementine
Mid-season variety.
- Balanced sweetness
- Juicy flesh
- Compact growth
Excellent for pots.
13. Bruno Clementine
Heavy-cropping variety.
- Strong tree vigour
- Sweet fruit
- Good yields
Ideal for experienced growers.
14. Clemenrubi
Early coloured variety.
- Bright orange skin
- Sweet taste
- Good appearance
Excellent for decorative growing.
15. Commune Clementine
Traditional selection.
- Classic flavour
- Reliable harvests
- Hardy growth
Good for sheltered outdoor positions.
16. Orogrande
Larger-fruited clementine.
- Big, juicy fruit
- Mild sweetness
- Easy peeling
Good family fruit.
17. Beatriz Clementine
Compact-growing type.
- Dense canopy
- Good fruit set
- Sweet flavour
Perfect for patios.
18. Monreal Clementine
Older heritage variety.
- Occasionally seeded
- Very rich flavour
- Traditional character
Favoured by purists.
19. Clemenvilla
Clementine–tangelo hybrid.
- Strong aroma
- Rich flavour
- Decorative fruit
Excellent dual-purpose tree.
20. Heritage Clementine
Traditional open-pollinated type.
- Reliable cropping
- Sweet fruit
- Classic appearance
Ideal for heritage citrus collections.
Common Problems When Growing Clementines
- Yellowing leaves: Nutrient deficiency
- Leaf drop: Cold stress or overwatering
- Poor fruiting: Insufficient light or feeding
- Scale insects: Treat early
Consistent care prevents most issues.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
- Harvest when fruits are fully coloured
- Twist gently from the branch
- Pick regularly to encourage new flowers
- Store short term in a cool place
Clementines do not sweeten after picking.
Nutritional Benefits of Clementines
- High in vitamin C
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supports immune health
- Low in calories
A healthy and refreshing fruit.
Final Thoughts
Clementines are one of the most rewarding citrus fruits to grow at home, combining compact growth, heavy cropping, and deliciously sweet fruit. With modern varieties offering improved reliability and extended harvest seasons, they are more accessible than ever for gardeners in cooler climates.
Whether you grow them on a sunny patio, in a conservatory, or under glass, choosing the right clementine variety and providing consistent care will reward you with years of fragrant blossom and generous harvests.