Sudachi Mandarin Tree

A rare treat for your edible garden, the Sudachi Mandarin Tree (Citrus riticulata 'Sudachi') is a Lime-like Citrus tree from Japan. It is similar to the Yuzu Citron but is smaller, juicier and less seedy! Like Yuzu, it is a cross between a Mandarin and a Lime. Unlike Yuzu, it is the juice - not the rind - that is most prized.

For a few months in late summer and early fall, Farmer's Markets in the sunbelt states get the luxury of Sudachi Mandarins showing up in small batches in the booths. If you blink though, you'll miss them, because they are snatched up so quickly by local chefs and foodies.

And these aren't just great for the delicious fruit, these are gorgeous ornamental trees with fragrant clouds of white blossoms and glossy green leaves that are evergreen all year!

Planting and Application:

Sudachi is used to flavor soups, fish dishes and especially Matsutake mushrooms. It has a distinctive spicy aroma that chefs say is like lime, pepper, dill and cumin all in one. The flavor is best when they are harvested green and about the size of a Ping-Pong ball.

Plant in the front or back yard for a wonderful shade tree and specimen planting! Park some chairs beneath the boughs and smell the blooms, watch the butterflies and hummingbirds flutter, or sit back and watch as your harvest ripens!

• Rare in the US
• Great for cooking
• Exceptional in containers
• Small flavorful fruit with a spicy aromatic quality
• Lovely ornamental for all landscaping needs

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Nature Hills Nurseries 3-year-old trees arrive well-branched and thickly rooted, ready for planting in your favorite container, or in your garden if you live where Citrus Trees thrive outdoors. These make great additions to your edible garden!

Citrus Trees are full sun plants, needing a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. More sun means stronger growth, more flowers, and therefore more fruit! Preferring morning sun to dry the leaves of dew, these plants also like good air circulation to keep the foliage healthy.

Citrus need very well-drained soils that don't hold excess moisture. Mound up your planting area if you suspect poor drainage and container plants need deep planters with plenty of drainage holes. They also prefer their soil on the acidic side.

For lush plants with dark green leaves and plenty of fruit, set up a regular fertilizer routine, but use a light hand with fertilizers. For plants that aren't holding on to fruit, consider applying organic Citrus fertilizer monthly in spring and again in summer during the growing season. Feed planted Clementine container plants again right before you take them outside for the summer. Feed in-ground planted Clementines once during the dormant season.

Protecting Container Citrus From Cold

Although it's famous for growing in warmer regions, it can also thrive in colder areas as long as the tree is brought indoors prior to the first frost of winter.

If you're growing these tropical trees in the ground in the lowest of their favored growing zones, they need to be planted in a sheltered spot to avoid the worst of the chill. If a spot like that is unavailable, then you are better off planting in a large, deep container.

In borderline growing zones, begin slowly acclimating your tree indoors or into a protected location, eventually moving your tree inside in bright indirect sun for the winter if the temperatures in your area ever dip below that 40°F range. In spring, reverse this process and begin acclimating your tree to again be back out in the full sun all summer. This reduces stress and leaf drop.

• Plant in full sun & moderately moist soil - preferring to dry out between waterings
• Have a regular fertilizing schedule
• Plant in very well-draining soil that's enriched & slightly acidic
• Prune in late winter
• Find more about Pruning & Caring for Citrus in our Garden Blog

Until recently, the Sudachi Mandarin Tree fruits were very rare in America. While they certainly aren't common now, they are available in limited quantities from Nature Hills, but you need to act fast. Order yours from NatureHills.com today as soon as the next crop becomes available!