Las Vegas might be famous for its bright lights and desert heat, but did you know it’s also a great place to grow citrus—especially small oranges like mandarins, tangerines, and clementines? With the right care and a bit of planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown citrus even in the Mojave Desert.
Small oranges—also known as mandarins or “easy peelers”—are perfect for the home gardener. They’re sweeter, often seedless, and easier to manage than larger citrus trees. Plus, they tend to mature earlier, which works well in a climate with a shorter window of mild weather.
Las Vegas falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which means winter temps can occasionally drop below freezing. Here are a few small orange varieties that do well in this climate:
Citrus trees need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Pick a spot that gets morning sun and is sheltered from strong desert winds. Near a south-facing wall is ideal, as it retains warmth during cooler nights.
Citrus trees don’t like wet feet. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider planting in a raised bed or large container. Use a sandy, loamy citrus-specific soil mix for best results.
In Vegas, deep and infrequent watering is key. In summer, water 1–2 times per week, deeply soaking the soil. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 10–14 days. Always check soil moisture first—overwatering is one of the most common citrus-killers.
Use a citrus fertilizer rich in nitrogen and micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Feed monthly from spring through summer, tapering off in the fall.
While most mandarin trees can handle a light frost, it’s smart to be prepared. Cover young trees with frost cloth or old sheets if temps drop below 32°F. Potted trees can be moved into a sheltered spot during cold snaps.
Depending on the variety, your small oranges will be ready to harvest between November and February. The fruit doesn’t continue to ripen after picking, so taste one first to see if it’s sweet and juicy. When ripe, they should come off the branch easily with a gentle twist.
Growing small oranges in Las Vegas is not only possible—it’s rewarding. With plenty of sunshine and the right care, you can turn a corner of your desert yard into a mini citrus grove. Whether you’re snacking, juicing, or gifting homegrown fruit to friends, there’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet citrus straight from your own tree.
| Season | Care Tips |
|---|---|
| Spring | Plant new trees, fertilize, prune lightly after threat of frost. |
| Summer | Water deeply, protect from sunburn, mulch well. |
| Fall | Final fertilizer round, plant/transplant if needed. |
| Winter | Harvest, protect from frost, minimal watering. |
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