Satsuma Tree Care

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.

Remove any branches that grow lower than 18 inches from the ground, cutting just above the branch collar to skirt prune the tree.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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