Hardy Citrus Atlas
Variety profile

Saïgon Satsuma Mandarin

(Citrus unshiu 'Saïgon')

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

Saïgon satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu 'Saïgon') is an old satsuma selection adapted to subtropical and warm temperate climates, introduced by French nurserymen in the early 20th century. Its hardiness reaches 10°F (−12°C) on the tree, making it suitable for in-ground planting in USDA zone 8a. The tree reaches 6.5 to 10 ft (2 to 3 m) with a spreading, weeping habit, evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers. Its bright orange fruit, medium-sized, seedless, with thin skin that is very easy to peel, ripens in November to December with juicy, sweet, low-acid, fragrant flesh. Excellent fresh, as juice and as sorbet. An interesting variety for French coastal gardens on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata; plant against a south-facing wall in well-drained soil.

Orange citrus fruit in a bowl beside a kitchen sink
AI-generated illustration. It does not authenticate cultivar identity or cold tolerance.
Cold hardiness 10°F (−12°C)

Identity

OriginUnknown
Genetic originSelection of Citrus unshiu
USDA zone
Cold hardiness10°F (−12°C)
Fruit cold hardiness25°F (−4°C)
GrowthModerate
Height10 ft (3 m)
HarvestNovember, December
SeedsSeedless
Uses
FlavorsMild, Tart, Sweet

History & Description

Origin

Unlike the Saïgon mandarin (C. reticulata), this variety is indeed a satsuma (C. unshiu). It is distributed by some specialist nurseries as a productive selection adapted to cool climates.

Tree description

The tree has medium vigor, is compact and thornless. It is known for quick, regular fruiting, with good tolerance of light frosts.

Fruit quality

It produces flattened fruits of good size for a satsuma. The skin is thin and the fruit is very juicy. It is appreciated for being edible while still slightly green ("half-green").

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is a sweet, pleasant mandarin. Eaten early, it offers a refreshing tart "zing"; at full ripeness, it becomes very sweet and sugary, typical of quality satsumas.
Back to the collection

Updated:

Learn more

Other varieties: mandarins, japanese citrus

Mandarins Explore mandarins For your climate Citrus suited to USDA zone 8a Practical guide Understanding USDA zones and protecting your citrus

"Growing rare citrus means accepting that nature has the last word, while whispering in its ear how to survive the winter."

Scroll to Top