Shirokolistvennyi Satsuma
A satsuma bred by the Soviet Union but only recently available through the California Clean Citrus Protection Program, (from the CCCP to the CCCPP), it is one that we’re very excited about trialing for its cold hardiness here. So far it has not had a real test in our recent winters but should be reliably hardy to about 15 F., depending on wind chill and length of freeze. Fruits are surprisingly tasty and seedless and also ripen early enough for us here in Portland.
Click here to view our Citrus Growing Guide.
Latin Name: Citrus unshiu
Site and Soil: In spring, summer and fall, keep your potted Citrus in a location with 1/2 day to full sun. In the winter, place your plant in a well-lit room. Potting soil should be coarse, acidic, and well-drained.
Rootstock Description: Flying Dragon is a hardy and very dwarfing rootstock for Citrus that induces very early flowering and fruit production. Trees grown on Flying Dragon will rarely exceed 5 ft. in height and will often produce fruit the year they are planted.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile. You can help it set fruit by taking a small brush and moving pollen from flower to flower.
Hardiness: Hardy to about 15°F . We recommend bringing into a well-lit and protected location in late fall before hard frosts occur.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 3-5 ft.
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Orange
Fruit Flesh: Orange
Bloom Time: Winter & Spring
Ripening Time: Late fall.
Yield: 40+ fruit
Care: Fertilize with citrus mix 3-4 times per year with typical applications in late winter (Jan-Feb), late spring (May-June) and early fall (Sept-Oct).
Pests & Diseases: While outside, Citrus plants will likely not be bothered by insect pests. Be on the lookout for slugs. Indoors, Citrus can have mites and/or aphids. Watch carefully for any problems and treat with an insecticidal soap or wash them off. We have not seen any disease problems on our Citrus plants.
USDA Zone: 8b, 9