When Do You Plant Owari Satsuma?

Planting

• "Owari" requires a planting site in full sun and well-drained soil. Citrus trees, including "Owari," need moist soil, but not standing water, because they take in air from the soil. Waterlogged soil can drown tree roots. When choosing trees to plant, choose smaller trees with a 1/2-inch trunk over a larger tree, such as those in 5-gallon buckets; they are more likely to have a compacted root system. Plant trees at least 12 inches apart and if planting more than one row of trees, leave 2 feet between rows.

Cold Hardiness

• According to the University of Florida, Satsuma mandarins can survive temperature down to 14 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit without sustaining serious injury. "Owari" has a low heat requirement and it ripens earlier than most other mandarins, ripening in early fall to late December. To ensure frost and cold protection, plant trees near walls or other structures with southwest exposures. This allows trees to absorb reflected heat and maintain it to reduce the risk of frost damage.

Care

• Newly planted "Owari" trees require watering every few days for the first two weeks or so, with a gradual increase of watering every seven to 10 days over the following two months. After planting trees, create a soil ring around the tree using garden soil, making the ring 2 feet in diameter and several inches thick and high. After planting, fill the water ring with water, adding soil to any holes forming around the tree roots as it settles. The ring gradually erodes into the ground; at this time you can assume the tree is established.

Mulching and Fertilizing

• Citrus trees like "Owari" have roots that grow near the surface, so adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter can help maintain soil moisture. Keep mulch at least 1 foot away from the trunk to discourage foot rot. Do not allow grass to grow near the trunks of citrus because the newly planted tree cannot compete well with grass. Newly planted citrus does not require fertilizer for the first year; however, after one year, apply 2 ounces of actual nitrogen around the tree when new growth begins in spring.