Satsuma Tree Care in Texas

Temperature

• Unlike more tender kinds of citrus trees, satsuma is capable of dealing with freezing temperatures for short periods of time. Most varieties tolerate temperatures as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit. More durable varieties such as "Orange Frost" (Citrus unshiu var. “Orange Frost”), which is hardy in USDA zones 8b through 11, withstands temperatures down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit. When the weather forecast calls for temperatures lower than a satsuma variety's tolerance, cover it or take it into a cool, enclosed location to prevent leaf loss.

Planting Location

• In warm areas near the Texas coast, a satsuma can be planted in the ground near a sheltering wall. Planting a mandarin orange tree on the south or southeast side of a house is best to protect it from cold weather, according to a Texas A&M University, Texas Citrus and Subtropical Fruits website article. In most non-coastal Texas locations, however, a satsuma needs to be placed in a container so it can be moved indoors easily before cold periods and moved outdoors after cold weather.

Soil

• Satsuma grows in a wide range of moisture levels and soil types, including sand, clay and loam. It needs a pH level between 5 and 8 accompanied by good drainage, however. A permanently wet condition can contribute to root rot and fungal diseases. Most soils do not provide adequate nutrition. So the satsuma tree should be fertilized with a slow-release product made for citrus trees. A container-grown satsuma does best with fertilizer made specifically for potted specimens. Discontinue fertilizer applications during winter.

Water

• It can be tempting to overwater a satsuma tree, but most varieties do best when watered only when their soil is dry 1 inch below the soil surface. During a hot, dry season, that soil condition may occur twice each week. Water the tree less frequently during the cold season to encourage dormancy.

Sun

• Like other citrus trees, a satsuma does best when given large amounts of direct sunlight. For most varieties, full-sun exposure for six to 12 hours per day provides optimal growth and fruiting. If the tree receive less sunlight, its may not flower. Access to light can be reduced in winter, but a dormant satsuma still should get several hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day.