Mandarin Unshiu: description of the variety and growing at home with a photo

Who hasn't wanted to grow a full-fledged tangerine tree at least once in their life? However, how to do this if the average growth of one seedling is 3-4 measures? Experts recommend just choosing the right citrus variety. So, Unshiu tangerines have all the required parameters for growing at home. Unshiu also translates as "seedless". And this is a definite plus of the variety.

Characteristics and description of Mandarin Unshiu

Despite the fact that the Unshiu variety owes its origin to the “Land of the Rising Sun” (Japan), it quickly spread throughout Europe and the CIS. The plant is self-fertile. A distinctive feature of Unshiu is flowers:

• small;
• white;
• oblong shape;
• and have an amazing aroma.

The bush in open ground grows, on average, up to 2.5-3 meters, while indoors it reaches only 1.5 meters. The crown is dense and spreading, the root system too. The leaves are dark green in color and oval in shape. The average lifespan of the leaf itself is 2.5 to 4 years.

A bit of history

In fact, the birthplace of the Unshiu mandarin is China, but the plant spread around the world only after the seeds came to Japan. Therefore, a deep misconception about the origin of the variety took root.

There is also a variegated variety of Unshiu mandarin - variegated. The main difference from the classic variety:

• yellow border on leaves;
• larger and lighter fruits;
• fruit skin is denser.

However, in terms of taste, Variegated Leaf is in no way inferior to the classic Unshiu.

Crown Description

The crown of the Unshiu mandarin is dense and spreading, but homemade trees are able to adapt to the existing conditions. The leaves are smooth to the touch and easy to clean. They are elongated and have a slightly corrugated surface.

Important! Successful fruit ripening requires sunlight, so it is recommended to thin the crown occasionally.

Features of flowering

The flowering period of Unshiu Mandarin falls in May. The flowers are small, fragrant, and clustered in small racemes. A characteristic feature of the mandarin is the absence of the need for artificial pollination.

Fruit characteristics

Unshiu tangerines are loved because of the delicacy of the fruit, the characteristic features of which can be expressed in several points:

• small, average weight varies between 70 and 100 grams;
• color uniform, orange;
• round shape, slightly flattened on both sides;
• juicy, sweet, slightly sour;
• the skin is thin, and quickly moves away from the fruit;
• citrus consists of 10-12 parts;
• bones inside are completely missing.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Mandarin Unshiu has a number of advantages:

• tasty and nutritious fruits;
• beautiful aesthetic appearance of the plant;
• high yield;
• resistance to diseases and pests;
• complete absence of seeds in fruits;
• convenient watering mode.

However, there are noticeable shortcomings;

• fruits don't last long;
• tree needs constant care;
• Regularly required to replant the plant.

Growing at home

Mandarin Unshiu as if created for growing at home. However, before you start breeding this variety, experts recommend studying the main points of care, which can create minor inconveniences:

• difficult to adjust temperature with central heating;
• requires regular spraying, which greatly increases indoor humidity;
• need to fertilize often.

Planting a tree

It is recommended to plant a tangerine tree in early spring. This will require a complex mixture consisting of the following components:

• turf soil as a base;
• leaf humus;
• sand - for better hydration;
• rotted humus as fertilizer;
• drainage up to 5 centimeters at the bottom.

Important! When transplanting and caring, the root system should not be damaged. One damaged shoot can kill the whole tree. This is especially true for young, just bought, seedlings.

Lighting, humidity and temperature

For the full development of the Unshiu mandarin, it is important to ensure saturation with light and warmth. It is recommended on sunny (calm!) days to take out the plant “to bask in the sun.”

Attention! Unshiu does not tolerate direct ultraviolet rays, so it is required to hide it under a light curtain.

Average air temperature: +17 degrees, but in winter, during the dormant period, the temperature should not be higher than 10 degrees. Also in winter, it is important to remember the lighting formula: the cooler the room, the less light the plant needs and vice versa. It is also recommended to spray the leaves with water - this will help create humidity close to the plant's natural environment.

Water and fertilize

Watering the plant is required when the top 5 centimeters of soil are dry; less often in winter. It is also not recommended to pour water directly on the roots - this will expose them even more. Mandarin Unshiu needs regular feeding, because artificial soil is far from natural conditions.

Often used as fertilizer:

• animal manure;
• store-bought mineral fertilizers;
• Potash is great for leaves, high in potassium.

Cutting rules

Due to the fact that the tangerine tree tends to grow upwards, but not every house has high ceilings, it is recommended to resort to the pinching (removing the top) procedure. This allows you to form a crown and direct the growth of branches horizontally. The procedure must be carried out until the desired result is obtained, regardless of the presence of leaves and flowers.

Protection from pests and diseases

At home, getting rid of the overtaken adversity is much easier. So:

1. Fungicide solution will help defeat the invasion of spider mites and the thyroid gland.
2. Rot and rot is easily eliminated by adjusting the watering regime.
3. Topaz or copper sulfate solution are the main enemies of fungi and powdery mildew.

Important! Tangerines can overcome other, rarer, pests and diseases. In this case, it is recommended to write down the symptoms and consult a specialist.

Problems in growing mandarin

Growing Unshiu mandarin is not a problem for gardeners, but several major care issues have been identified:

• it is often difficult to figure out why the leaves turn yellow, so the plant may die (more often it is either an excess of water or a lack of potassium);
• the need for daily care, especially when the air is dry;
• fruits are sometimes bitter (due to improper pruning of seedlings).

Harvest and storage of crops

The first harvest of this variety appears 3-4 years after planting. The average yield from one home tree is about 5-10 kilograms. However, transportation and storage of the fruit is a minor problem due to the soft skin. Unshiu tangerines keep from 1 to 3 months.

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