A Satsuma tree, a cold-hardy variety of mandarin orange (Citrus unshiu), offers home growers the opportunity to cultivate sweet, easy-to-peel citrus fruit. This tree is prized for its tolerance to cooler temperatures compared to most other citrus species. Achieving a thriving, fruit-producing Satsuma requires careful attention to the planting process, beginning with thoughtful preparation and site selection. This guide details the necessary steps for successful planting.
Essential Pre-Planting Site Selection
Selecting the correct location is the most important factor determining the long-term health and productivity of your Satsuma tree. Citrus trees demand full sunlight, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun exposure daily for optimal growth and fruit development. A southern or southwestern exposure is often beneficial, as it maximizes the warmth the tree receives, especially in cooler growing regions.
The soil must be well-draining, as Satsumas will not tolerate standing water or saturated conditions that can lead to root rot. They thrive in sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Test drainage by digging a 12-inch hole and filling it with water; if it takes longer than four hours to drain, amend the site with organic matter like compost to improve percolation.
Timing the planting is important, generally favoring late winter or early spring after the last threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Before planting, inspect the sapling for a healthy root system that is not circling or pot-bound. The trunk must be free of damage or disease, and the graft union—where the scion meets the rootstock—should be clearly visible and undamaged.
Step-by-Step Planting Execution
The planting process begins with digging a properly sized hole, which is important for encouraging root expansion into the native soil. The hole should be two to three times the width of the root ball to provide loose soil for lateral root growth. Crucially, the hole must be no deeper than the height of the root ball itself, ensuring the tree will not settle too low after watering.
If the tree is container-grown, gently remove it and inspect the roots. If the roots are tightly matted or circling, lightly score the sides of the root ball with a knife or your fingers. This action helps redirect the roots outward into the prepared soil. Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole, positioning the graft union two inches above the surrounding soil line.
Planting the tree too deep is a common error that can lead to crown rot and eventual tree decline, so maintaining this slightly elevated position is necessary. Begin backfilling the hole with the native soil, tamping gently to eliminate large air pockets that can dry out roots. Once the hole is mostly filled, create a shallow soil berm, or watering ring, just outside the perimeter of the planting hole. This ring directs water toward the root zone during the establishment period.
Initial Care for Establishment
Once the Satsuma tree is securely in the ground, an immediate and thorough soaking is necessary to settle the soil and hydrate the root ball. This initial watering helps eliminate any remaining air pockets around the roots, ensuring good soil-to-root contact for nutrient and water uptake. For the first six to twelve months, the newly planted tree requires consistent moisture, often needing deep watering two to three times a week during warm, dry weather until the roots establish themselves.
Apply a three to four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, over the planting area to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and fungal issues like collar rot. Mulch also suppresses competing weeds, reducing the stress on the developing root system.
New citrus trees should not be fertilized immediately after planting, as the high salt content in fertilizer can burn sensitive feeder roots. Delay the first application of a balanced citrus fertilizer until the tree shows clear signs of new growth, typically four to six weeks after planting. This delay allows the tree to recover from transplant shock and begin to actively grow.