Young yuzu tree (seedling, ungrafted) - 30 cm

Description

These small yuzu trees are seedlings about 2 years old in a 12cm pot and about 30cm tall. 

The trees are suitable for growing indoors or outdoors in pots. After 3-5 years from purchase, they can also be planted in the open ground. Because these trees are seedlings and not grafted, it will take several years for them to flower and bear fruit. 

If they are old enough, they bloom in the spring and give fruit in the fall. 

The yuzu tree is a hybrid between a sour tangerine and the lemony Ichang papaeda. Yuzu is the best known of the Japanese citrus fruits, its taste and aroma is a combination of grapefruit and tangerine. The skin of the fruit is very aromatic. Yuzu is an essential seasoning in Japanese cuisine and is used as an additive in Japanese ponzu, soy sauce and miso. Chefs use both the juice and peel in dishes with fish, white meat, as well as in sorbets, ice cream and cocktails.

Yuzu Growing Guide

Legs

Place the tree outside in a sunny, south-facing, sheltered spot. Provide loose soil. Clay soils should be mixed with sand to allow for good drainage. In dry conditions, water once or twice a week. The yuzu tree does not like constant wet feet.

In a pot, use free-draining compost, extra perlite or bark to improve drainage. Repot the plant every 1-2 years. Do not repot too quickly in too large a pot. 

Maintenance

To promote growth and health we recommend giving citrus or olive tree nutrition. If you choose a liquid variety you will administer nutrition more frequently. Grains need to be applied less frequently. Apply granules in the spring and again in the summer. These are the period when the plant is most active.

The most common pests are aphids and mites. In a garden with a lot of other plants, natural enemies will be plentiful. In addition, you can spray the plant with water and a few drops of dish soap if these pests get too out of control.

If flowering is well established in the first two years, it is recommended to remove some of the smallest fruits so that the remaining fruits have a better chance. The first and second years normally produce around 12 fruits.

Beware of the sharp spines. These can be removed if they are a hazard.
Trees may sprout below the point where they are grafted. For optimal growth, these should be removed.

Harvesting

With spring appear very fragrant, small white flowers. In summer, fruits appear, first green and turning yellow in color as the year progresses. The fruits are ripe when they are bright yellow. This occurs between October -December. Dark spots on the skin is normal and is also a signal that they are ripe. The unripe green fruits also sometimes fall off. These are more acidic in taste but are also fine to use. The rind of both ripe and unripe yuzu is used in soups, dressings, cocktails and is also used as a topping for sushi and fish. You can also freeze the peel and juice just fine for use later.