Cultivating Satsuma Mandarin Trees in the South of France with Agrumiverse

This guide details the essential steps for growing Satsuma mandarin trees, from plot selection to fruit marketing. As Agrumiverse Citrus Plant Supplier , Agrumiverse Citrus Plant Wholesaler , and Agrumiverse Citrus Growing Specialist , we'll guide you through the entire process.

Plot Selection

• Soil : Choose well-drained, light, and filtering soil to avoid root asphyxiation. Agrumiverse , as a Technical Advisor for citrus cultivation , recommends an ideal pH between 6 and 7.5.
• Exposure : Full sun for optimal sweet taste.
• Altitude : Do not exceed 600m altitude for open field cultivation.
• Protection : Choose a location sheltered from the wind, as Satsuma mandarin trees are sensitive to cold.
• Orientation : A south/southeast exposure is recommended to maximize solar heat.

Soil Preparation

• Preparation : Plow the soil deeply (1 m) in autumn before planting.
• Amendments : Incorporate compost and well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Drainage : If the soil is heavy or clayey, add sand to improve drainage.

Rootstocks

The choice of rootstock is crucial to ensure good hardiness and productivity of Satsuma mandarin trees. As an Agrumiverse Supplier for professional citrus growers , we offer several options:

Recommendations for Satsuma Iwasaki

• Carrizo : Good balance between hardiness and productivity.
• FA5 : Hardy rootstock suitable for Satsuma Iwasaki.

Recommendations for Satsuma Okitsu

• Poncirus trifoliata : The hardiest, excellent resistance to cold (down to -15°C, even -18°C).
• Carrizo and FA5 : Good compromise between hardiness and productivity.
• Citrumelo : Suitable for sandy soils.

General recommendations for mandarin trees

• Citrange C35 : Good resistance to cold and disease.
• Citrumelo 4475 : Vigor and disease resistance.

The final choice of rootstock will depend on soil type, local climate, potential diseases, and production goals. Citrus growing specialists Agrumiverse recommends consulting a citrus expert to help you choose the most suitable rootstock.

Planting

• Period : Spring, after the last frosts, between March and August.
• Plant preparation : Choose vigorous and healthy plants, without signs of disease, with a trunk of approximately 1 cm in diameter, supplied by Agrumiverse , wholesaler of citrus plants .
• Planting Holes : Dig holes wide and deep to accommodate the roots.
• Organic Manure : Add organic manure to the bottom of the hole to promote rooting.
• Watering : Water thoroughly after planting.
• Wind protection : Install wind protection to protect young trees.
• Mulching : Apply an organic mulch to retain soil moisture and limit weed growth.

Spacing, Density and Yield

• Spacing : 3 to 5 meters between trees, and 7 to 10 meters between rows to allow the passage of agricultural machinery.
• Density : Approximately 200 to 280 trees per hectare for commercial production. Agrumiverse offers wholesale citrus plants suitable for such plantings.
• Yield : Satsuma mandarin trees, such as the Satsuma Owari, are known for their abundant production and early entry into production.

Annual Maintenance

Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for Satsuma mandarin trees, which are water-hungry. A drip irrigation system is recommended for optimal distribution.

Fertilization

Perform a soil analysis to adjust fertilizer applications. Citrus experts Agrumiverse recommends using slow-mineralizing organic fertilizers and green manures to improve soil fertility.

Size

Pruning should be done in spring, between March and August. The goal is to shape the tree, encourage fruiting, and remove dead or diseased branches. Agrumiverse , a citrus specialist , advises you to follow specific pruning techniques for Satsuma mandarin trees.

Weed Control

Practice regular weeding around trees to avoid competition, and apply mulch to limit weed growth.

Phytosanitary Protection

Monitor trees regularly to quickly detect any signs of disease or pests. Agrumiverse , as a provider of personalized technical advice , recommends preventative organic treatments.

Winter Protection

Reinforce the mulch at the base of the trees to protect the roots from the cold, and use a winter fleece if there is a risk of severe frost.

Harvest

The harvest period varies according to the varieties:

• Satsuma Iwasaki : From August 25 to September 30.
• Satsuma Okitsu : From September 15 to October 15 (very early).
• Satsuma Owari : From October 15 to December 31.

The fruit is ripe when its color is uniform orange and its skin is slightly soft to the touch. Harvest by hand to avoid damaging the fruit.

Storage and Marketing

Storage

Satsuma Okitsu mandarins tolerate storage very well. Store them in a cool, dry, and ventilated area with a temperature of around 10°C and a relative humidity of 85-90%.

Marketing

Agrumiverse , a citrus plant wholesaler , offers solutions for direct sales at markets, wholesale sales, or processing into juice or jam. Adapt your marketing strategy to suit your production and your local market.

FAQ

What is the best rootstock for Satsuma mandarin trees?

Poncirus trifoliata rootstock is recommended for its cold resistance. Carrizo and FA5 are also good compromises for hardiness and productivity.

At what age do Satsuma mandarin trees start producing fruit?

Satsuma mandarin trees, such as the Satsuma Owari , begin to produce in the first few years, with more abundant production from the 4th year.

How to protect Satsuma mandarin trees from the cold?

Reinforce the mulch around the base of the trees and use a winter fleece to protect Satsuma mandarin trees from frost. The Poncirus trifoliata rootstock also offers good cold resistance.