Position – The Satsuma Naartjie tree thrives in hot, humid conditions and full sun. The fruits have a thin skin and are susceptible to the cold and frost. Plant your trees about 3.5 to 5 metres apart to allow for their canopy to spread.
Size – Depending on the soil, climate conditions and care, your Satsuma can grow between 3.5 and 7.5 metres tall.
Soil Type – Satsuma Naartjie needs well-draining, healthy, sandy soil with a neutral pH. If your soil’s drainage isn’t optimal, plant your tree on a bit of a mound so the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Mulch – This tree thrives with a layer of mulch to protect its roots from drying out. Organic mulches – like pine needles, leaves and bark chips – work very well.
Watering – Your tree needs to be well watered for the best fruits. In summer and spring, increase your watering so that the tree doesn’t dry out in the heat.
Fertilising – To get the most out of your naartjie tree, feed it with fertiliser in spring and summer. If the leaves start to yellow, your plant may not have enough magnesium. Apply a little Epsom salts to the tree’s drip line (where the leaves extend their reach). We use Osmocote on all our fruit trees, especially citrus, the berry fertiliser on our website.
Pruning – You may decide to prune your tree if you need to keep its spread under control, prefer a particular shape, or have diseased or dead branches that are sapping it of its vital energy. It’s also important not to cut it unnecessarily, especially while young.
Harvesting – Pick your naartjies when they have turned from green to a beautiful orange colour. Clip or twist them carefully from the tree. If they’re ripe and you know rains are coming, try to take them off before the rains, which can cause the fruits to spoil.
