Growing and Caring for Satsuma Orange Trees
Overview
The satsuma orange (Citrus unshiu) is a sweet and cold-hardy citrus fruit native to China. Known for its loose, leathery skin and delicate flesh, the satsuma is a popular choice for home gardeners. With proper care, satsuma trees can thrive and produce abundant fruit for many years.
Planting and Care
- Location: Satsumas prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a spot that is protected from strong winds.
- Planting: Plant young trees in early spring when the soil temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Plant the tree so that the graft union (where the rootstock and scion join) is just above the soil line.
- Watering: Satsuma trees need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize satsuma trees annually in late January or early February. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Pruning: Prune satsuma trees in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Remove any low-hanging or dead branches.
Propagation
- Grafting: Most satsuma trees sold commercially are grafted onto rootstock from another type of citrus. Grafting is a delicate process best left to experienced growers.
- Rooting cuttings: It is possible to propagate satsuma trees by rooting branch cuttings, but the resulting trees may not perform the same as the parent tree.
Growing from Seed
- Challenges: Growing satsuma trees from seed is challenging because the fruit is largely seedless and the resulting trees may not resemble the parent tree.
- Method: If desired, extract seeds from ripe fruit and plant them in a pot filled with a citrus tree potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks.
Potting and Repotting
- Container size: Satsuma trees can be grown in containers as small as 20 gallons. Choose a container with ample drainage holes.
- Potting mix: Use a commercial citrus tree potting mix.
- Repotting: Repot satsuma trees every three to four years, or when the roots begin to outgrow the pot.
Overwintering
- Protection: In regions with freezing temperatures, potted satsuma trees can be brought indoors to a sunny location.
- Outdoor protection: In-ground trees can be protected from frost with a frost blanket.
- Feeding: Withhold feeding during the winter months for young trees, but established trees can be fed in late January or early February.
Harvesting
- Timing: Satsumas are generally harvested between October and December, depending on the cultivar.
- Indicators: Ripe satsumas have a looser rind and a bumpy surface. The color may vary from green to reddish-orange.
- Method: Clip the fruit from the tree rather than plucking it to avoid damaging the rind.
Pests and Diseases
- Common pests: Aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale.
- Common diseases: Sour orange scab, fungal diseases.
- Treatment: Preventive fungicide sprays can help control fungal diseases. For pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Blooming and Fruiting
- Bloom time: Satsuma trees typically bloom in early spring, from March to April.
- Fruiting: The green fruit becomes evident in August and turns orange in late September through December.
- Factors affecting blooming and fruiting: Adequate sunlight, proper nutrition, and protection from cold temperatures are essential for successful flowering and fruit production.
Common Problems
- Chlorosis: Yellowing of leaves due to iron deficiency. Lower the soil pH to make iron more available.
- Cold damage: Satsuma trees can tolerate short periods of cold, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage branches.
- Lack of sunlight: Satsuma trees need at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant fruit.
- Overwatering: Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Additional Information
- Satsuma oranges are a type of mandarin and are similar in size but have a softer texture and looser rind.
- The average lifespan of a satsuma tree is 50 years, but they can live longer under ideal conditions.
- Satsuma trees are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for home gardeners looking for a sweet and cold-hardy citrus fruit.
