Description of tangerine varieties Unshiu and cultivation at home
Who has never wanted to grow a full-fledged tangerine tree on their own at least once in their life? However, how to do this if the average growth of one seedling is 3-4 measures? Experts recommend simply choosing the right citrus variety. So, Unshiu tangerines have all the required parameters for growing at home. Also Unshiu is translated as "pitted". And this is a definite plus of the variety.
Characteristics and description of the Unshiu mandarin
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. Distinctive feature of Unshiu - flowers:
- small;
- snow-white;
- oblong shape;
- and have an amazing aroma.
A bit of history
In fact, the homeland of the Unshiu mandarin is China, but the plant only spread around the world after the seeds came to Japan. Therefore, a deep misconception about the origin of the variety has taken root.
There is also a variegated variety of Unshiu mandarin - variegated. The main difference from the classic variety:
- yellow border on the leaves;
- larger and lighter fruits;
- the skin of the fruit is denser.
However, in taste, Variegated Leaves is in no way inferior to the classic Unshiu.
Description of the crown
The crown of the Unshiu mandarin is thick and spreading, but the house trees are able to adapt to the existing conditions. The leaves are smooth to the touch and are easy to clean. They are elongated and have a slightly corrugated surface.
Important! For the fruit to ripen successfully, sunlight is required, so it is sometimes recommended to thin out the crown.
Flowering features
The blossoming period of the Unshiu mandarin falls in May. The flowers are small, fragrant, and united in small cluster inflorescences. A characteristic feature of mandarin is the absence of the need for artificial pollination.
Fruit characteristics
Unshiu tangerines fell in love with the exquisite fruit, the characteristic features of which can be expressed in several points:
- small, average weight varies between 70 and 100 grams;
- uniform color, orange;
- rounded shape, slightly flattened on both sides;
- juicy, sweet, with mild sourness;
- the skin is thin, and quickly departs from the fruit;
- citrus consists of 10-12 parts;
- bones inside are completely absent.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The Unshiu mandarin has a number of advantages:
- tasty and nutritious fruits;
- beautiful aesthetic appearance of the plant;
- high productivity;
- resistance to diseases and pests;
- complete absence of seeds in fruits;
- convenient watering mode.
However, there are also noticeable disadvantages;
- fruits are not stored for long;
- the tree needs constant care;
- replanting the plant regularly.
Growing at home
Unshiu tangerine is as if created for growing at home. However, before starting to breed this variety, experts recommend that you study the main points of care that can create minor inconveniences:
- difficult to adjust the temperature in the presence of central heating;
- regular spraying is required, which significantly increases the humidity in the room;
- you 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:
- sod soil as a base;
- humus from leaves;
- sand - for better moisture;
- rotted humus as fertilizer;
- drainage up to 5 centimeters at the bottom.
Important! During transplantation and care, the root system must not be damaged. One damaged shoot can destroy the entire tree. This is especially true for young, just purchased, seedlings.
Lighting, humidity and temperature
For the full development of the Unshiu mandarin, it is important to provide saturation with light and warmth. It is recommended to take out the plant “bask in the sun” on sunny (windless!) Days.
Attention! Unshiu does not tolerate direct ultraviolet rays, so you need to hide it under a light curtain.
Average air temperature: +17 degrees, but in winter, during the rest period, the temperature should not be higher than 10 degrees. It is also important to remember the lighting formula in winter: the cooler it is in 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 moisture close to the natural environment of the plant.
Watering and feeding
Watering the plant is required when the top 5 centimeters of the soil is dry; less often in winter. It is also not recommended to pour water directly onto the roots - this will expose them even more. Unshiu tangerine needs regular feeding, because the artificial soil is far from natural conditions.
Fertilizers are often used:
- animal manure;
- mineral fertilizers purchased at the store;
- Potash with a high potassium content is excellent for leaves.
Pruning rules
Due to the fact that the tangerine tree tends to grow upward, but not every house has high ceilings, it is recommended to resort to the pinching (removal of the top) procedure. This allows you to form a crown and direct the growth of branches horizontally. The procedure is required to be carried out until the desired result is obtained, regardless of the presence of leaves and flowers.
Protection from pests and diseases
It is much easier to get rid of the misfortune at home. So:
- A fungicide solution will help to defeat the invasion of spider mites and thyroid glands.
- Rot and brittleness can be easily eliminated by adjusting the irrigation regime.
- Topaz or a solution of copper sulfate are the main enemies of fungi and powdery mildew.
Important! Mandarins can overcome other, rarer, pests and diseases. In this case, it is recommended to write down the symptoms and consult a specialist.
Problems when growing tangerine
Growing the Unshiu tangerine does not cause trouble for gardeners, however, several main difficulties have been identified when leaving:
- it is often difficult to find 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 with increased dry air;
- fruits are sometimes bitter (due to incorrect pruning of seedlings).
Harvesting and storage
The first harvest of this variety appears 3-4 years after planting. The average yield from one domestic tree is about 5-10 kilograms. However, transporting and storing the fruit is a minor problem due to the soft skin. Unshiu tangerines have a shelf life of 1 to 3 months.
