Botanical name: Citrus unshiu
Ideal location & conditions: Full sun
Satsuma is the hardiest of all citrus and can withstand temperatures to-8c. Protect from very cold winds, if possible
Size after 5 years: 1m x 75cm if grown in pot. If growing in open soil then 1.5m x 1m
Soil: Very well drained John Innes No.3 if growing in pot. If growing in open soil, then choose a very well draining site or plant on a ridge
Flower colour: Pure white
Flowering period: June - October
Fruit harvest period: November - March
As is often the case, classifying citrus is not a simple task and the fruits that we all know and enjoy as Satsumas are no exception. They are a variety of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) which were found growing wild in the Unshu region of Japan. What made them different is that they rarely have seeds, their skin is quite loose around the flesh, hence the title “Easypeelers” and the trees have almost no thorns.
Satsumas, for a Citrus species are very cold hardy and will happily survive outside in the UK in all but the most harsh of winters. Our normal -4ºC and -5ºC are easily coped with. Additionally, they quite like a more damp climate, so once again, it sounds like growing them in the UK makes absolute sense!
We recognise Satsumas by their bright orange skin but that tends to become darker when grown in the UK as our lower night temperatures when compared to our day temperatures cause a darker ripening to an almost red colour. These temperature fluctuations also improve the sugar levels in the fruits, so you will enjoy super sweet fruits.
Our Satsumas produce a rather a flat looking fruit and often have a quite knobbly skin. Not that attractive? It’s what lies within that matters! The fruits are the sweetest of all the Mandarins and have that touch of acidity which makes for perfect eating.
Five reasons to plant a Satsuma:
• You know you don't have a good track record with being green 'fingered' but want to grow something that looks impressive throughout the year (and won't curl up and die)
• You've always fancied growing citrus but have always thought it was too cold
• You already drive a Japanese car and thought a “Citrus unshiu” would help you reach your “Nagomi” way of life
• You want to grow a nice compact citrus which naturally keeps a rounded head
• You would like a real alternative to a conventional Christmas Tree (which comes complete with its own ripening baubles, year after year!)