Mihowase Satsuma Clementine

Citrus unshiu ‘Mihowase’ | Sweet, seedless naartjies with easy-peeling skin

The Mihowase Satsuma is a premium mandarin-type naartjie celebrated for its exceptionally sweet flavour, tender flesh and virtually seedless fruit. Known for its early ripening and reliable productivity, it produces bright orange fruit that peels effortlessly, making it a favourite for fresh eating. With its compact growth habit, attractive evergreen foliage and excellent cold tolerance, the Mihowase Satsuma is an outstanding choice for home gardens and orchards.

Plant Care

Sun: Full sun is essential — provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and abundant fruit production.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Avoid areas where water tends to stand after rain.

Water: Moderate — water deeply and regularly, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Allow the upper layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertiliser: Feed with a balanced citrus fertiliser from spring through late summer. Ensure essential micronutrients are available to maintain healthy foliage and fruit quality.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged or overcrowded branches and lightly shape the canopy after harvest if desired.

Top tip: Mulching around the base of the tree helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and support healthy root growth. Keep mulch clear of the trunk.

Specifications

Botanical name: Citrus unshiu ‘Mihowase’
Common name: Mihowase Satsuma Naartjie
Growth habit: Compact evergreen citrus tree with a rounded, spreading canopy
Size: Approximately ±2.5–4 m H × ±2–3.5 m W at maturity; suitable for smaller gardens and container growing
Fruit: Medium-sized, slightly flattened naartjies with bright orange skin that peels very easily
Flesh/juice: Sweet, juicy and tender with low acidity and excellent flavour
Seeds: Virtually seedless under most growing conditions
Harvest: Early season, typically autumn through early winter depending on local climate
Uses: Fresh eating, lunchboxes, fruit platters, juicing and home orchards

Quick Facts

• Produces exceptionally sweet, easy-peeling fruit.
• Virtually seedless and ideal for fresh eating.
• Early-ripening and highly productive variety.
• Excellent cold tolerance compared to many other citrus varieties.
• Perfect for home gardens, orchards and large patio containers.