These trees are also green the year round. The fruit turns bright orange as it ripens in late October. Satsumas's cold tolerance extends to the mid-20s. When temperatures of 26 degrees or colder are forecast, you must bring in the plant. In the Dallas area, field-tested satsumas were grown outdoors in full sun over 350 days of the year.
Citrus thrives in full sun.
This plant needs eight to ten hours each day, even during the summer months. It tolerates some shade, but less sun means less fruit. In warm areas along the coast, satsumas may be grown in the ground against the sunny, southern wall of a home, if they are covered and heated during severe freezes. Contrast this to the 30 seeds of Changsha tangerine, satsuma's closest competitor. Children often prefer satsumas because of the milder flavor.