Ooh, Satsuma. Good pick, gardener.

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Satsuma

Citrus unshiu

Zones 8–13

Growing

Satsumas are exceptionally well-suited for container gardening, making them a versatile choice for those with limited space or a desire to move their citrus tree indoors during colder months. When planting or transplanting your tree, ensure the soil remains slightly acidic, ideally between a pH of 6.0 and 7.0, to promote healthy nutrient uptake. Because these trees are susceptible to damage from heavy freezes, providing protection or moving containers to a sheltered area is essential when light frosts are expected.

Unlike many other fruits, satsumas do not continue to ripen once they have been removed from the branch. This means you must wait until the fruit is fully mature on the tree before harvesting. To ensure the best flavor, pick the fruit when it is ready to use, as the quality will decline if left off the tree too long or if picked prematurely. Once harvested, keep your fruit unwashed to help prevent moisture-related spoilage. For short-term use, you can keep your harvest at room temperature, but for longer periods, storing them in the fridge will help maintain freshness.

Stats
Sunfull sun
Watermedium
Grow time>150 days
Height>6ft
Spacing>24in
Light
Full sun✓
Part shade✓
Shade✗
Traits
Life cycleperennial
Categorytree fruit
Growth habittree
Seasonwarm
Frost tolerancehalf hardy
Heightover 6ft
Spacingover 24in
Days to maturityover 150
Growing
Watermedium
Drainagewell drained
Soil ph min6.0
Soil ph max7.0
Propagation
Seed✓
Cutting✗
Division✗
Graft✓
Tuber bulb crown✗
Transplant✗
Container ok✓
Pollinationself fertile
Pollinator friendly✓
Toxic parts
Leaves✗
Seeds✗
Raw✗
Post harvest
Wash before storing✗
Ripens off plant✗
Curing daysnone
Shelf life1–3mo
Storage methods
Room temp✓
Cool dark✓
Fridge✓
Freeze✓
Can✓
Dry✓
Ferment pickle✓
Blanch before freezing✗
Calendar, zone 7
Not suited to zone 7. Grows in zones 8–13.