Mandarin Silverhill (Satsuma)

Juicy. Easy-peel. Cold-tolerant.

Overview
Mandarin ‘Silverhill’ (a Satsuma type) is a reliable, early-season mandarin known for sweet, seedless to low-seed fruit and a thin, easy-peel skin. It crops well in cooler regions and is a great choice for home orchards, patios, and family gardens across much of New Zealand.

Key features

• Early harvest with excellent flavour

• Easy-peel, mostly seedless fruit

• Naturally compact, great for pots or small spaces

• Better cold tolerance than many other mandarins

• Heavy, regular crops once established

Growing conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)

• Soil: Free-draining, fertile soil; keep slightly acidic

• Water: Regular while establishing; consistent moisture during flowering/fruit swell

• Climate: Suited to most NZ regions; protect from hard frost and cold winds (use a sheltered, sunny spot)

Pollination & fruiting

• Pollination: Self-fertile (no pollinator needed)

• Flowering: Late autumn–spring (white, fragrant blossoms)

• Harvest: Typically June–August (timing varies by region and season)

Size

• In ground: 2–3 m H × 2–3 m W (can be kept smaller with pruning)

• In pots: Smaller habit; choose a large container with good drainage

Planting & care

• Plant in a warm, sheltered position away from strong southerlies.

• Work in compost and a handful of citrus fertiliser at planting; avoid burying the graft.

• Mulch to keep roots cool and moisture even (keep mulch off the trunk).

• Feed with a quality citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer.

• Prune lightly after harvest to shape and to keep height manageable.

• Protect young trees from frost with cloth or a temporary cover.

Ideal uses

• Home orchard / edible garden

• Courtyard or patio feature (excellent in large pots)

• Family gardens—kid-friendly, easy-peel fruit

What you’ll get

• Healthy, nursery-grown plant in a suitable pot grade for the season.

• Grown locally and ready to thrive with the right care.

Notes

• For container growing, use a high-quality potting mix labelled for citrus.

• Consistent watering during dry spells improves fruit size and sweetness.

Availability
Stock and grades vary through the year. If you need plants for a specific date or project, get in touch and we’ll line up the best grade for you.