How to Care for a Dwarf Satsuma

Potted Care

• 1

  Start your Satsuma off right by choosing the correct pot size. Bare-root stock should be planted in a pot that allows adequate room for the existing roots to spread out but not be overwhelmed by soil. Move already-potted trees into a pot one size larger than that it arrived in.

• 2

  Increase pot size every two to three years, going up one pot size at a time.

• 3

  Allow for full sun exposure all day. Place the plant outdoors if possible, as long as it is protected from strong winds and temperatures are above 40 Fahrenheit.

• 4

  Water dwarf Satsumas when dry without making the soil soggy. Ensuring good drainage is key to the health of the plant so the roots do not sit in water and develop foot rot.

• 5

  Prune dwarf Satsumas any time of year that freezing temperatures are of no danger to maintain an attractive shape.

Planted Care

• 6

  Plant trees outdoors in late spring after all danger of frost has passed.

• 7

  Choose a planting site that receives a minimum of a half day of direct sun, and is sheltered from strong winds.

• 8

  Fertilize with an organic compost during the first summer, but do not fertilize when planted. Fertilize as needed in the following springs and summers.

• 9

  Water as needed by soaking the ground within the tree's drip line (the outer perimeter of the tree's branches.) Once per week is usually adequate, but avoid watering if you have substantial rain.

• 10

  Protect planted trees from forecast freezes by placing a bucket of water next to the tree, and covering both tree and bucket with a blanket. A layer of mulch helps protect the roots. The water helps keep the air beneath the blanket humid. Secure the blanket by weighting the edges with bricks or rocks or other heavy objects.