Owari Satsuma Mandarin Orange

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: winter.

With the exception of desert areas, this small tree bearing delicious fruit is an excellent choice for an enclosed patio garden in full sun. Attractive, spreading form is a lovely accent or focal point in fruit and pleasantly fragrant in flower.

As a sharp contrast to the slender, spreading form of the mandarin, try Firebird Canna (Canna x generalis 'Firebird'), with its tropical looking, paddle-shaped leaves and crimson flowers. The red-pink flower clusters of Canberra Gem Grevillea (Grevillea x 'Canberra Gem') are also a good foil. Use Purple SpreaderTM Garden Verbena (Verbena x hybrida 'Homestead') as an attractive, trailing groundcover.

The mandarin orange originated in southeast Asia where it has been cultivated and hybridized for centuries. They are now classified exclusively by cultivars. This variety is among the Japanese satsuma type mandarins that ripen very early. 'Owari' is ancient, developed in Japan very early on and has been continually cultivated ever since. It is in the ancestry of all Satsumas grown today.

Citrus fruit was carried on the ships of early sea farers because its vitamin C content was high enough to keep the dreaded disease, scurvy, at bay on long voyages. Citrus fruit is valued for fresh eating, marmalade, and many other culinary dishes.