Hardy Citrus Atlas
Variety profile

Minneola Tangelo

(Citrus x tangelo 'Minneola')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Minneola tangelo (Citrus × tangelo 'Minneola') is a hybrid between the Duncan grapefruit and the Dancy mandarin created in Florida in 1931, famous for its characteristic pear shape with a prominence at the top (the 'neck'). Its hardiness reaches 16°F (−9°C) on the tree, making it suitable for in-ground growing in USDA zones 8b and 9a. The vigorous tree reaches 10 to 16 ft (3 to 5 m) with a spreading habit, evergreen foliage, and fragrant white flowers. Its deep red-orange fruits, large (9 to 12 oz, or 250 to 350 g), with thin, easy-to-peel skin, seedless or nearly so, ripen in January to March and offer very juicy, sweet, slightly tart flesh with a complex aroma between mandarin and grapefruit. Excellent fresh, as juice, and in salads. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata for hardiness, plant against a south wall, well-drained soil and winter mulching.

Large green citrus fruit hanging among leaves
Photograph: Starr-110330-3835-Citrus x tangelo-Minneola leaves-Garden of Eden Keanae-Maui (24450132724).jpg by Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons
Cold hardiness 16°F (−9°C)

Identity

OriginUnited States (Florida)
Genetic originDuncan grapefruit × Dancy mandarin hybrid
USDA zone
Cold hardiness16°F (−9°C)
Fruit cold hardiness27°F (−3°C)
GrowthVigorous
Height16 ft (5 m)
HarvestJanuary, February, March
SeedsFew
Uses
FlavorsTart, Highly aromatic, Sweet

History & Description

Origin

Also known as 'Honeybell', Minneola was developed in Florida in 1931. It is the most famous tangelo in the world, the result of a cross between the Duncan grapefruit and the Dancy mandarin.

Tree description

The tree is large, very vigorous, and productive. It is prone to alternate bearing and needs a pollinizer (such as clementine or Orlando tangelo) to fruit well.

Fruit quality

The fruit is easily recognized by its "neck" or "nose" (prominent collar) at the base of the stem, giving it a bell shape. The skin is a deep red-orange, thin and easy to peel.

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is an explosion of juice. The flesh is extremely juicy, with a rich, tart, spicy flavor typical of the best mandarins but in the generous size of a small grapefruit.
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What matters when choosing

Key points about Minneola Tangelo

Minneola is a very juicy, aromatic, mildly tangy tangelo recognizable by its neck. For regular production it needs a compatible pollinizer nearby; this pollination can also increase the number of seeds.

Why choose it

  • Abundant, juicy, intensely aromatic flesh.
  • Attractive reddish-orange color.
  • Distinctive fruit enjoyed fresh or as juice.

Its limits

  • A compatible pollinizer is recommended for good fruit set.
  • Pollination can make the fruit seedier.
  • Late maturity and limited cold resistance.

Practical notes

Parentage
Duncan grapefruit × Dancy mandarin
Harvest
December through March
Pollination
Cross-pollination recommended

Cold-hardiness reference: about 16°F (−9°C)

Minneola is less cold-resistant than Orlando according to UCR; it is best suited to mild locations or protected growing.

Sources and method

The temperatures given are reference points for a mature tree with hardened wood. The table and callout repeat the same value as the profile. They guarantee neither freedom from damage nor a harvest after a freezing event.

Data reviewed on September 21, 2026.

Learn more

Other hardy citrus

Other hardy citrus Explore other hardy citrus For your climate Citrus suited to USDA zone 9a Practical guide Understanding USDA zones and protecting your citrus

"Growing rare citrus means accepting that nature has the last word, while whispering in its ear how to survive the winter."

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