Hardy Citrus Atlas
Variety profile

Japan Seedless Satsuma Mandarin

(Citrus unshiu 'Japan Seedless')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Japan Seedless satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu 'Japan Seedless') is a modern Japanese satsuma selection completely free of seeds, appreciated for its pure flavor and ease of eating. Its hardiness reaches 10°F (−12°C) on the tree, making it suitable for in-ground planting in USDA zone 8a. The tree reaches about 11.5 ft (3.5 m) according to Vessière, with a spreading, weeping habit, evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring. Its bright orange fruit, medium-sized, 3.5 to 5.3 oz (100 to 150 g), absolutely seedless, with thin skin that is very easy to peel, ripens in November to December with very juicy, sweet, low-acid flesh. Ideal for children and eating out of hand. Excellent as juice and sorbet. A variety recommended for families with children. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata; plant against a south-facing wall in well-drained soil.

Whole and peeled orange citrus fruit beside a mug
AI-generated illustration. It does not authenticate cultivar identity or cold tolerance.
Cold hardiness 10°F (−12°C)

Identity

OriginJapan
Genetic originProbably synonymous with Owari
USDA zone
Cold hardiness10°F (−12°C)
Fruit cold hardiness25°F (−4°C)
GrowthVigorous
Height11 ft (3.5 m)
HarvestNovember, December
SeedsSeedless
Uses
FlavorsAcidless, Sweet

History & Description

Origin

The name 'Japan Seedless' is often used as a generic or historic trade name for the classic satsuma strain introduced to the West (often of the Owari type). It symbolizes the Japanese mandarin par excellence.

Tree description

The tree shows all the characteristics of the unshiu species: high hardiness (Zone 8), dark green lance-shaped leaves, and a bushy, spreading habit that becomes weeping under the weight of the fruit.

Fruit quality

The fruit is medium to large, ripening mid-season (November). It is completely seedless (aspermous), which made satsumas a worldwide success.

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is the high-quality standard mandarin: melting flesh, thin membranes, plenty of juice and a mild flavor without harshness. Ideal for children and for those who do not like acidity.
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"Growing rare citrus means accepting that nature has the last word, while whispering in its ear how to survive the winter."

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