Grow your own Mandarin Oranges (Citrus Unshiu), also known as Satsuma Oranges, with these cold-hardy seeds. Known for their sweet, juicy flesh, and easy-to-peel rinds, Satsuma oranges are a favorite in gardens and orchards. This variety is perfect for home gardeners, offering a combination of ornamental appeal and fruit production. Enjoy fresh, homegrown mandarin oranges straight from your garden or patio with minimal effort.
Key Benefits
- Cold Hardy: This variety of mandarin orange is hardy in cooler climates (down to USDA zones 8-11), making it perfect for growing in a wide range of regions.
- Sweet, Juicy Fruit: Satsuma oranges are known for their incredibly sweet, seedless flesh, perfect for snacking or juicing.
- Evergreen Plant: The tree maintains its glossy, green foliage year-round, providing aesthetic appeal in your garden even outside of the fruit-bearing season.
- Easy-to-Peel Rinds: The fruit’s thin, loose peel makes it incredibly easy to peel, making them perfect for eating fresh or adding to dishes.
- GMO-Free: Grow your oranges without the worry of genetically modified organisms. These seeds are non-GMO and perfect for organic gardening.
How to Plant Mandarin Orange Seeds (Citrus Unshiu, Satsuma)
Planting Season:
- Best Time: Plant seeds indoors during the winter for an early start or outdoors in the spring after the last frost when the weather is consistently warm.
Seed Preparation:
- Pre-Soaking: Soak seeds for 12-24 hours before planting to encourage germination.
- Scarification: Lightly scratch the seed surface with sandpaper to increase water absorption and promote faster germination.
Planting Instructions:
- Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep into well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
- Spacing: Leave at least 3-4 feet between each plant if planting directly in the ground to allow for proper tree growth.
- Light Requirements: Prefers full sun, ensuring the tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Soil Requirements: Plant in slightly acidic, loamy soil with good drainage.
Water and Care
- Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant enters dormancy.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruiting.
- Pruning: Prune the tree to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape it for better airflow and fruit production.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8-11, but can be grown in containers and brought indoors in colder climates.
Perfect For
- Home Gardens & Yards: Ideal for gardeners looking to add fruit production with minimal effort. It thrives in backyard orchards or as a patio plant in containers.
- Containers & Patio Gardening: Satsuma mandarins can be grown in large pots, making them perfect for small gardens, patios, or even indoors in bright, sunny spots.
- Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: While the main draw is the fruit, the tree also attracts bees, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
Recommended Coverage
- Packet: Covers approximately 10 square feet, depending on planting density and tree growth.
Grow Your Own Sweet, Cold-Hardy Mandarin Oranges
Add a touch of citrus to your garden with Mandarin Orange (Citrus Unshiu). This cold-hardy, sweet variety produces juicy, easy-to-peel oranges perfect for snacking, juicing, or fresh use in recipes. Order your seeds today and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own delicious fruit in your backyard!
