Robinson Tangerines

Robinson tangerines are citrus fruits created from a hybrid mix of the Orlando Tangelo and Clementine Mandarin. You can find these tangerines blossoming between the months of October and December, making them perfect fall and wintertime fruits. Robinson tangerines are one of the most important commercial crops in Florida. The skin of the Robinson has a thin peel that is orange and has deep colored flesh. They are usually a small or medium size; this varies on the different years – some years they are medium and alternate years they are smaller. The average Robinson tangerine has between 10 and 20 seeds. This early season fruit has great flavor and lots of juice.

The Robinson tangerine tree can grow about 20 feet tall and it can stick around for about 20 years. Some people grow them in containers, which grow to be between six and eight feet within a few years. Robinson tangerines can be planted in states with cold weather, since they are freeze hardy.

Robinson tangerines are one of the most popular of the citrus fruits on the market today. The hybrid mix that created them contains 3/4 of the tangerine and 1/4 of the grapefruit. It was created in 1959 by Reece Gardner. The average size for the Robinson looks more like a tangerine, averaging in sizes between 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. The shape of it is flattened and has a small neck at the stem. The skin of Robinson tangerines is quite thin, making it an easy fruit to peel. On average, the tangerine has up to 20+ seeds per fruit.. Cross pollination is used to cultivate these tangerines, so pollenizer trees are used, such as the Orlando, Temple, Sunburst or Lee. Those that aren’t planted through this method produce fewer seeds, fewer amounts of tangerines and are smaller in size. Cross pollination is used to increase productivity of the crops.

You will find Robinson tangerines harvesting between the months of October and December, so you can find them fresh during the fall and early winter. After sitting in the sun for a while, they tend to crack and the skin splits, which is a major problem farmers have. The tree of Robinson tangerines grows upright and spreads and has brittle wood and dense foliage. The tree can withstand cold temperatures, but the tangerines cannot because they have thin skin. They perform well on most commercial rootstocks.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

Shop Now