Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu)
⚠ Citrus ships to Florida only ⚠
About two days a year, Floridians experience a breeze with an ineffable chill—some people call this “winter.” Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) is a tree with a remarkable cold tolerance among citrus species. It is grown in cooler subtropical regions of Japan, Spain, Central China, Korea, Turkey, Russia, and South America. In slightly warmer conditions, Satsuma trees produce fruit that ripens a bit earlier, making them favorable for eager growers.
When your satsuma mandarin tree fruits, the flavor and color could vary based on your location. In humid subtropical areas of Florida, fruit could mature internally before the usual outer coloring of maturation appears, hence the name Emerald Green satsuma tangerines where these fruits are commercially sold. It’s important to be gentle when harvesting the fruits, as the rinds are prone to tearing if handled without caution.
Planting, cultural care, pruning, and harvesting are similar for all citrus plants, with a few slight variations. Generally, they are best planted in filtered sun with well-drained soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. Citrus trees a particularly high demand for nitrogen. If you’re fantasizing about long afternoons of picking fresh fruit from your personal citrus grove, keep this in mind: The key to growing citrus is setting it up for success from the start.
Plant Type:
Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Main citrus fruit production will take place in late winter through spring, but may produce throughout the year
Mature Size:
7-30 ft
Mature size varies by citrus tree type. Overall, citrus varieties can be grown in containers and maintained at smaller sizes.
Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, high fertility and good moisture-holding capacity; High nitrogen demands. Regular watering throughout the first year and throughout flowering and fruiting season.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Overall, citrus prefers slightly shady areas and has better fruit production in part shade lighting conditions.
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Although their fruit provides a distinctly tropical twist to any drink or dish, Citrus trees trees are actually very cold hardy fruit trees, taking temperatures down to the low 20's!
Propagation:
Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1 year.
See More:
Sow Exotic offers many different unique varieties of Citrus trees. Shop the Citrus Collection!
