Mandarin (Miho Wase Satsuma)

Planting & Care

Planting & Care – Miho Wase Satsuma Mandarin

Site Selection

• Choose the sunniest available location to support early ripening and strong cold hardening.
• Good air movement helps reduce disease pressure and improves winter performance.
• Avoid low areas where cold air and excess moisture collect.

Soil Preparation

• Drainage is the most critical factor—satsumas do not tolerate wet feet.
• If soil remains wet after rain, plant on a mound, raised bed, or grow in a container.
• Lightly amend very poor soils with compost, but avoid heavy fertilization at planting.

Planting Instructions

1. Dig a hole roughly 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

• During the first 1–2 years, keep soil consistently moist but never saturated.
• Deep water, then allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
• 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.

Fertilizing

• Citrus are heavy feeders—steady nutrition supports healthy foliage, flowering, and fruit size.
• Use a citrus fertilizer and follow age-appropriate rates.
• Split applications during active growth are most effective: late winter/early spring, late spring, and early summer.
• Container citrus often benefits from lighter, more frequent feedings due to nutrient leaching.
• Avoid heavy nitrogen late in the season, which can delay hardening and reduce cold tolerance.

Cold Protection

• Young trees benefit from protection during their first few winters.
• Mature, fully dormant trees have been reported to tolerate temperatures down to approximately 10°F for short periods.
• Good drainage, full sun, and proper fertilization timing greatly improve cold performance.

Pruning

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

Harvest & Use

• Harvest when fruit is fully colored and sweet.
• Excellent for fresh eating with classic satsuma texture.

General Tips

• Drainage problems are the most common cause of failure—when in doubt, plant higher.
• Cold tolerance improves significantly as trees mature.
• Early ripening helps fruit mature ahead of colder winter weather.