China Satsuma S-6

Planting & Care

Planting & Care – China S-6 Satsuma Mandarin

Site Selection

• Choose the sunniest available location to support late-season ripening and strong cold hardening.
• Good air movement helps reduce pest and disease pressure, especially in humid or coastal climates.
• Avoid low areas where cold air and excess moisture collect.

Soil Preparation

• Drainage is the #1 make-or-break factor—satsumas do not tolerate wet feet.
• If your soil stays wet after rain, plant on a mound/raised bed or grow in a container with excellent drainage.
• Citrus prefers slightly acidic soil; in high-pH soils, nutrient lockout (especially iron) is a common issue.

Planting Instructions

1. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball.
2. Plant so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil level.
3. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
4. Mulch 2–3″ deep, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Watering

• For the first 1–2 years, keep soil consistently moist but never saturated.
• Deep water, then let the surface begin to dry—citrus dislikes constant soggy soil.
• Check soil 4–6″ down; if it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water again.
• Once established, deep watering every 7–14 days during dry weather is typical, more often in very sandy soil or heat/wind.

Fertilizing

• Citrus is a heavy feeder, especially for nitrogen—steady nutrition drives healthy leaf color, flowering, and fruit size.
• Use a citrus fertilizer and follow the label rate for tree age/size; split applications are typically more effective than one large dose.
• A solid home-grower schedule is 2–3 feedings during active growth: late winter/early spring, late spring, and early summer.
• Container citrus often performs best with lighter, more frequent feedings, since nutrients leach out with regular watering.
• Avoid heavy nitrogen late in the season—late growth is more frost-tender and can reduce cold readiness.

Cold Protection

• Young trees benefit from protection during their first few winters.
• Mature, well-hardened trees tolerate temperatures down to approximately 15°F.
• Cold performance improves with full sun, good drainage, and avoiding late-season nitrogen that delays hardening.

Pruning

• Minimal pruning is needed—remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Light shaping after harvest helps maintain airflow and a compact form.

Harvest & Use

• Harvest when fruit is fully colored and sweet.
• Classic satsuma texture: tender, easy eating, and great for fresh snacking.

General Tips

• Drainage problems are the most common cause of failure—when in doubt, plant higher or use a container.
• If leaves yellow with green veins in high-pH soils, address iron/micronutrients rather than adding more nitrogen.
• Consistent care in the first two years sets the foundation for long-term production and cold resilience.