How to Feed Satsuma Trees
If you've ever enjoyed a small can of mandarin segments you've no doubt tasted the Satsuma. Although commercial production of the fruit is limited to California in the United States, it's the dominant cultivar in Japan. It's a small, cold-hardy tree that is susceptible to fungal infections. The ideal climate for Satsuma production includes chilly winter weather, followed by a hot summer. Under these conditions, the Satsuma bears juicy tangerines from November through December throughout most of its hardiness region -- zones 8b through 11 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Feed the newly planted Satsuma as soon as it produces new growth. The tree requires 1 cup of ammonium sulfate -- typically labeled as 21-0-0 -- split into three or four applications throughout the growing season.
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Fertilize the 2-year-old Satsuma with 2 cups of the same fertilizer, split over three or four applications, and 3 cups in the tree's third year.
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Base subsequent fertilizer rates on the age of the Satsuma: 1 cup of 21-0-0 for each year of the tree's age. Specialists with Texas A&M University's AgriLife Extension recommend applications in early spring, mid-spring and late summer.
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Apply a chelated nutrient spray, containing manganese and iron, to the Satsuma's foliage in spring and summer. It is important to apply when the tree has new growth because the older leaves don't absorb the spray. Follow label instructions and apply the spray until it drips from both sides of the leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
Sprinkle the fertilizer over the soil around the Satsuma tree and water, slowly, to a depth of 10 inches after application.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
