Satsuma Brown Select #5 Pot

The Brown Select Satsuma Tree (Citrus unshiu ‘Brown Select’) is a cold-hardy citrus tree known for its easy-to-peel, seedless, and exceptionally sweet mandarin-like fruits. This variety is prized for its early ripening, typically producing fruit in the fall, and its ability to withstand cooler temperatures compared to other citrus varieties. An interesting characteristic of the Brown Select Satsuma is its compact size, making it a perfect choice for small spaces or container growing while still providing abundant, delicious fruit.

In southern Louisiana, the Brown Select Satsuma Tree typically grows to a height of 8 to 12 feet with a spread of 6 to 8 feet, forming a small, rounded shape ideal for home gardens. It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal fruit production. This variety is highly cold-tolerant for a citrus tree, withstanding temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C). In USDA zones 9-11, including southern Louisiana, it can be grown as a perennial and requires minimal protection during occasional cold snaps.

Here are some ways the Owari and Brown Select satsuma varieties compare: 

Size: Brown Select trees are larger than Owari trees, growing to 12–15 ft tall compared to 10–15 ft tall for Owari trees. 

Fruit size: Brown Select fruit is relatively large and bright orange, while Owari fruit is small to medium-sized. 

Maturity: Brown Select fruit ripens a couple of weeks earlier than Owari fruit. 

Growth habit: Brown Select trees have a compact or dense growth habit and are less weepy than other satsuma cultivars. 

Origin: Brown Select originated from an open-pollinated seedling of 'Kimbrough' at the Louisiana Citrus Research Center. 

Taste: Brown Select fruit has a sweet tangerine flavor. 

Uses: Brown Select fruit is mostly seedless and can be eaten fresh or used for juicing.