Description
About the Dancy Tangerine Tree
A heavy producer of tangy, easy-to-peel fruit! The Dancy Tangerine tree—also known as ‘Dancy’ or ‘Dancy Mandarin’—is a compact, evergreen citrus tree with a well-earned reputation among citrus lovers. It’s prized for its juicy, sweet flavor and fragrant blooms, and is one of the most popular tangerine varieties for home gardeners.
Dancy Tangerine is believed to be the result of a cross between two mandarins, both with Pomelo ancestry. This hybrid heritage gives it a rich, well-balanced flavor profile that stands out from other citrus.
The tree is naturally small and adaptable, making it perfect for both in-ground and container growing. It reaches about 10–12 feet tall in the ground with a rounded canopy, or stays smaller when grown in a container. Its dark green, glossy foliage adds ornamental value year-round, and fragrant white blooms appear in late winter to early spring.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is small to medium-sized, bright orange, and slightly flattened in shape. Dancy Tangerines are known for their thin, smooth rind that peels easily, and their sweet-tart flavor that’s spicier and less acidic than oranges. They’re mostly seedless and easy to segment—perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, and juicing.
- Ripens in winter (typically December through January)
- Excellent for fresh eating and juicing
- Sweet, aromatic flavor with a hint of spice
- Easy-to-peel rind and few seeds
How to Grow a Dancy Tangerine Tree
Dancy Tangerine trees are relatively easy to grow and low-maintenance. They thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil, consistent watering, and good air circulation. While not frost-tolerant, this variety is more cold-hardy than some citrus, able to tolerate brief dips to around 32°F.
In colder regions, Dancy Tangerine trees grow beautifully in large containers. Just move the tree indoors during the winter and place it near a bright, sunny window.
For best results:
- Use a citrus-specific fertilizer regularly during the growing season
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Protect from frost in Zones below 9 by overwintering indoors
- Prune lightly to shape and maintain airflow
The Dancy Tangerine Tree is a fantastic addition to your edible garden or patio collection. With its compact size, fragrant blooms, and flavorful fruit, it’s a favorite among citrus enthusiasts and beginner gardeners alike.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Fruit Color | Orange |
| Fruit Size | Small |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 2 - 11, Outdoor Planting: 8 - 11 |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet, Tart |
| Texture | Easy-peel Skin; Juicy |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 4 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow citrus trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
I have my tree inside a heated greenhouse it has small tangerines on it now . This is its first year so I’m sorry I not able to help any more than that. It is a very nice small tree.
Living in New York, I planted this fruit tree in a large planter so that I could bring it indoors and out. Last year it was outdoors from approximately May thru October. As temperatures dropped in the fall, it was brought indoors when temperature reached the 40's.
Unfortunately this happens to be a product that has state or county agricultural regulations, which prohibit shipment. Sometimes there are local/regional quarantines put in place to halt the spread of certain plant diseases, which does not happen often. While these regulations may change in the near future, we apologize that we cannot ship this item to you at the present time.
The EZ Start®. will ship 3 – 4' Tall
No, the Dancy Tangerine tree, a variety of mandarin orange tree, usually produces fruit with a few seeds.
Citrus can only be planted outdoors in your temperatures do not drop below 50 degrees at any given time. IF you experience temps lower than 50 degrees you would need to pot this tree and move it indoors for the winter.
Yes it has seeds.
It is a semi dwarf When your tree matures, it will be approximately 10 - 15' tall x 5 - 8' wide.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 2-4 years to bear after receiving it and establishment.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Recd the tree in the fall looked good, just about to plant looking even better now many blooms about to pop here in San Clemente CA. If I do it right, I might get fruit the first year which is better than expected. I did also purchase a lemon tree Lisbon with mini blooms and a white nectarine. That’s looking good too. Wish I could help on the seeds.
Customer Reviews
Well, 3 months later, while my other 2 new trees are blooming and have fruit, this Dancy Tangerine looks about the same, but has lost some leaves. I am asking for a replacement tree!
Porch tangerine, looking forward to having fruit trees in the enclosed porch. Winter gets really cold and white here in Montana so a little green goes a long way for uplifting the spirit
Pair with my Cara Cara. We have a neighbor with a lemon tree and our fruit is always tart.
Was available. For my new greenhouse
Add to my citrus trees. Love them as a kid.