Satsuma Tree

Satsuma Tree Care

Citrus Unshiu

What is the plant

Citrus unshiu is a semi-seedless and easy-peeling citrus species, also known as unshu mikan, cold hardy mandarin. It is of Chinese origin, named after Unsyu (Wenzhou), China, but introduced to the West via Japan.

Its fruit is one of the sweetest citrus varieties. It is usually seedless, and is about the size of other mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata). Satsumas are known for their loose, leathery skin; the fruit is very easily peeled in comparison to other citrus fruits.

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Lighting

Shade

Temperature

-1°C - -2°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water. Satsuma trees need ample water, so plan on consistent and deep watering throughout the growing season. After planting, water every two to three days, and then once every week to ten days thereafter during the growing season.
Pruning
Remove any branches that grow lower than 18 inches from the ground, cutting just above the branch collar to skirt prune the tree.
Fertilizer
Satsuma trees benefit from regular fertilizing. It's best to fertilize in late January to early February when the tree is producing new growth. You may use a balanced 8-8-8 citrus fertilizer that contains nitrogen. A two-year-old tree can handle one to one and a half pounds of fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Citrus trees prefer sandy, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH. Satsumas are adaptable to different soil conditions such as rocks or clay, but will not tolerate salty soils. The soil must have good drainage.
Temperature
Generally, satsuma are cold tolerant down to 15° F, but young trees, or trees yet to achieve dormancy, are usually only tolerant to 26°F. Fruit should not sustain damage from temperatures above 25°F. In fact, temperatures between 25°F and 35°F enhance the sweetness of the fruit.
Additional
Cats and dogs will usually recoil from the strong scent of citrus (Citrus spp.). Satsuma trees grow slow and can reach between 15 and 20 feet. The branches are nearly thornless. The tree is adapted to areas where winters are too cold for other citrus fruits, but summers are warm enough to ripen the fruit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.