How to Plant Satsuma Mandarin in Nigeria

Citrus fruits are among the most important fruit crops grown in Nigeria, with varieties like sweet oranges, lemons, and tangerines being widely cultivated. 

However, one citrus variety that holds untapped potential in Nigeria is the Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu). 

Originally from Japan, the Satsuma mandarin is highly valued worldwide for its easy-to-peel skin, seedless flesh, and sweet flavour.

With Nigeria’s tropical climate, fertile soils, and growing demand for citrus fruits both locally and internationally, cultivating Satsuma mandarin can be a profitable and sustainable venture for farmers. 

This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to plant and manage Satsuma mandarins in Nigeria, covering everything from the plant’s description to pest management.

Description of the Plant

Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) is a small, evergreen citrus tree that grows between 3–5 meters tall. 

It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces fragrant white flowers before fruiting. 

The fruits are medium-sized, typically 5–7 cm in diameter, and have thin, smooth, and loose skin, which makes them very easy to peel by hand.

One of the most unique characteristics of Satsuma mandarins is that they are usually seedless or contain very few seeds, making them highly attractive for fresh consumption. 

The flesh is juicy, tender, and sweet, with a mild tangy flavour.

Nutritionally, Satsuma mandarins are rich in Vitamin C, dietary fibre, antioxidants, and folate, making them excellent for boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and improving overall health. 

The trees are also cold-hardy compared to other citrus types, but they still thrive well in tropical and subtropical climates such as Nigeria’s.

Planting Season for Satsuma Mandarin in Nigeria

The ideal planting season for Satsuma mandarin in Nigeria is during the early rainy season (April to June). 

Planting at this time ensures that young seedlings benefit from adequate rainfall for root establishment. 

With irrigation facilities, planting can be done at any time of the year. 

However, small-scale farmers should avoid planting during the dry season (November to March), when water scarcity can stress seedlings.

Planting the Satsuma Mandarin

Planting Satsuma mandarin requires careful preparation to ensure the trees establish well and produce high yields. 

The process involves the following steps:

Step 1 – Choose a Location

Satsuma mandarins require:

• Full sunlight exposure for at least 6–8 hours daily.
  
• Well-drained sandy-loamy soils rich in organic matter.
  
• Soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is optimal for nutrient absorption.
  
• A site protected from strong winds, which can damage branches and flowers.
  

Also, in planting, avoid swampy, waterlogged soils, as citrus trees are highly sensitive to excess moisture.

Step 2 – Land Clearing and Preparation

• Clear the land of weeds, shrubs, grasses, and stumps. Plough or dig the soil to loosen it, improving aeration and drainage. 
• Dig planting holes 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep, spaced 5–7 meters apart in orchards. For small gardens, spacing may be reduced to 3–4 meters, but proper spacing ensures good air circulation and prevents disease spread.
• Mix the topsoil with well-decomposed manure and refill the hole halfway before transplanting seedlings.

Step 3 – Means of Propagation

Satsuma mandarins can be propagated through:

• Seeds – While easy to plant, seed-grown trees may not remain true to the parent plant and take longer (5–7 years) to fruit.
• Budding and grafting – The most common commercial method, producing true-to-type plants that bear fruit earlier (3–4 years).
• Cuttings or air layering – Less common but possible for small-scale or backyard planting.

Step 4 – How to Plant Satsuma Mandarin from Seed

If planting from seed, do the following;

1. Extract seeds from ripe Satsuma mandarin fruits.
2. Wash thoroughly to remove pulp and dry for 24 hours.
3. Sow the seeds in nursery bags or seed trays filled with sand and compost.
4. Place the nursery in a warm, sunny location and water regularly.
5. Seeds germinate within 2–4 weeks.
6. When seedlings grow to 15–20 cm tall with firm stems, transplant them into prepared field holes.

During transplanting, handle seedlings carefully to avoid root damage, and water immediately.

Step 5 – Watering

Newly transplanted seedlings need regular watering (2–3 times weekly) during dry periods. 

Mature trees require less frequent watering but still benefit from deep watering once weekly during droughts. 

To conserve soil moisture, mulch the base of trees with dry grasses, leaves, or sawdust. 

This also suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature.

Step 6 – Apply Manure

At planting, apply organic manure (10–15 kg per hole) to enrich the soil. 

As the trees grow, apply additional manure once or twice yearly. 

Supplement organic manure with NPK fertiliser, split into two applications before the rainy season and after fruiting. 

Foliar sprays containing micronutrients like zinc, boron, and magnesium help improve flowering and fruit set.

Maturity and Harvest

Seed-grown Satsuma mandarins take 3-7 years to produce fruit, 

Once established, the trees can continue producing fruits for decades under good management. 

The fruiting season in Nigeria typically falls between August and December, depending on the region.

Various signs of maturity include:

• Fruits turn bright orange in colour.
• The rind becomes smooth and loose, making peeling easy.
• The fruit feels slightly heavy and soft when ripe.

Harvesting should be done by hand or using pruning shears to avoid damaging the branches. Handle fruits carefully, as mandarins are prone to bruising.

Pests and Diseases

Satsuma mandarins, like other citrus varieties in Nigeria, face threats from pests and diseases.

• Common pests include:
  
  • Citrus aphids – Cause leaf curling and transmit viruses.
  • Citrus fruit flies – Lay eggs in fruits, leading to premature fruit drop.
  • Mealybugs – Produce honeydew that attracts sooty mould.
  • Leaf miners – Create winding tunnels in leaves, reducing photosynthesis.
  • Termites – Attack the roots and stems of young plants.
• Some common diseases include:
  • Citrus canker is a bacterial infection causing raised lesions on leaves and fruits.
  • Root rot is caused by poor drainage and fungal infection.
  • Gummosis causes gum oozing from cracks in the bark.
  • Greening disease (Huanglongbing)  leads to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and fruit deformities.
  • Black spot is a fungal disease causing dark lesions on fruits.

Pest and Disease Control

Effective pest and disease management is key to maintaining a healthy Satsuma mandarin orchard.

• Cultural practices:
  
  • Use certified seedlings free from pests and diseases.
  • Prune regularly to remove weak or diseased branches.
  • Maintain proper spacing to improve airflow and reduce fungal infection.
  • Remove fallen fruits and leaves to prevent pest buildup.
  • Avoid waterlogging by planting on well-drained soils.
    
• Organic methods:
  
  • Use organic insecticides to control aphids and mealybugs.
  • Apply compost teas or bio-fertilisers to boost plant resistance.
  • Use mulching to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
    
• Chemical control:
  
  • Apply recommended insecticides against severe insect infestations.
  • Use fungicides to control citrus canker and fungal diseases.
  • Always follow label instructions and safety measures when applying chemicals.
    
• Physical control:
  
  • Use sticky traps to catch fruit flies.
  • Net trees to prevent bird and bat damage.

Finally, Satsuma mandarin cultivation in Nigeria offers immense potential as a profitable fruit crop, given its high demand, sweet flavour, seedless nature, and adaptability to tropical climates. 

By planting during the rainy season, selecting the ideal location, employing proper propagation methods, and utilising suitable manure and pest control practices, Nigerian farmers can achieve high yields and long-term benefits from their orchards. 

With Nigeria’s growing citrus industry and increasing demand for high-quality fruits both locally and internationally, 

Cultivating Satsuma mandarins could become a significant contributor to farmers’ incomes, food security, and the overall agricultural economy.

Hope this article was helpful.