Usually, satsumas (Citrus reticulata) are budded onto a rootstock. For Texas, that rootstock is usually sour orange. They can be rooted and grown as own-rooted plants, but they don't seem to perform as well. Container plants can and need to be fertilized most of the year, whereas plants in the ground should not be fertilized after June. Applications of nitrogen in April and May are usually sufficient. Use one pound of ammonium sulfate per inch of trunk. Split this amount for the two applications; that is, if the total amount to be applied is six pounds for six inches of trunk diameter, apply one-half of this amount, or three pounds, in April and the other half in May. If the tree happens to lose all its crop, the second application could be left off.
For more growing information for your state, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office.
