Steve,

The Citrus of the World directory combines both Tanaka's, Swingle, Osbeck, Macfad, Wester, Marcow and others. I use it as a standard reference, not to impose on anybody, only as recommendation. I believe the directory is a very good starting point of standardization of the citrus names. It provides synonyms for those who can't give up Tanaka and Swingle, so it could also suit your needs.

I would love to use Tanaka to classify the citrus species on my 81-n-1 citrus tree, simply because it gives me the most number of scientific names on my tree, but many won't agree with Tanaka's system at the international level. And I have come to conclude, at the moment, pending persuasion of others, that the Citrus of the World directory is a good all around system of standard naming with an international scope, including their synonyms and references to work of others.

Joe

I noticed that the brand name 'Cutie' was mentioned in an earlier post. I have bought this brand in my local produce market with pretty good consistancy in rich, sweet/tart flavor and seedlessness. I assume the specific variety of mandarin varys depending on the time of the year, but is there generally a variety that is used more often than not that is labeled as a 'Cutie?' I am planning on ordering a couple of mandarin trees and would love some suggestions and insight! Productivity would be nice as well as different times of production during the year but a good rich, sweet/tart flavor and lack of seeds matter most to me. I have read good things about the Gold Nugget and Tango patented varieties as well as Brown's Select and Owari satsumas. Any suggestions?

Gold Nugget may not perform well in terms of flavor when doing container culture in a marginal climate. I would recommend the Tango amongst your choices. But if you can grow them all, why not try them all?

Cutie's that you buy in the store (e.g. Costco) are actually Clementines early in the season and Murcotts later in the season.

-Brett

I had checked out the Cutie website and I think the only link I didn't click when I was originally there a few weeks ago was 'when can I get my Cuties?' Figures. Thanks for the sleuthing folks! I've read just about every mandarin discription on the UCR's site (http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/index.html) and the insight is great, but the taste descriptions are a little lacking so I really appreciate any other insight!

I was hoping to order all 4 trees from Stan Mckenzie, but he is currently out of both lemons and limes as well as most of the mandarins I have been considering. I will probably have to order from Four Winds which is fine with me, but just a little expensive (http://www.fourwindsgrowers.com/variety_list.html). They only have a few seedless choices since I believe I will have to worry about cross pollination from my Eureka and Meyer lemons. If I'm understanding the UCR's website properly there are many mandarins that are only seedless when grown in the absense of any citrus that could cross pollinate them right? I am not sure but I would assume my Eureka and/or Meyer lemons would be considered cross pollinators since they produce seeds (is it that simple?). I had read good things about Gold Nuggets and Tangos, but Four Winds currently does not have Tangos (I was told they likely will in a few weeks but only one year old specimens and I would like to get all 2-3 yr old trees).

Anyways, I am torn about what to get and will always appreciate advice.

Joe