Satsuma Mandarin: The Citrus That Survives Even at -10°C

Scientific Identity

Satsuma, scientifically Citrus unshiu, belongs to the citrus family (Rutaceae). In Turkey it's mostly grown in Rize and the Eastern Black Sea region, so it's commonly known as "Rize mandarin." Unlike most other mandarins, it's seedless and its peel comes off easily.

Permaculture Value

Satsuma is known as the most cold-hardy of all citrus, which is exactly why it can be grown in a borderline climate for citrus like ours in Sakarya. Being evergreen, it adds color to the garden through winter too, and its flowering branches are a good source for bees.

Edible / Medicinal Properties

Being seedless makes it very easy to eat, and the peel comes off easily by hand. It's very juicy and sweet, rich in vitamin C. It can be made into jam, but we usually prefer eating it fresh, picked straight off the branch.

How to Grow It

It wants well-drained soil and a sunny spot, and like other citrus, its roots don't like standing water. Its most notable trait is cold tolerance: even after harsh cold down to -10°C, with some branch damage, the plant survives and resprouts in spring. Still, it's worth wrapping young plants in cloth or covers during especially harsh winters.

From the Garden

Of all the citrus we grow, this is the one I trust most. While the other citrus worry us on cold winter nights, satsuma pulls through every time. The fruit you see in the photo hasn't ripened yet, still green and firm, but even like this it gives this corner of the garden a good look.