Yuzu tree (Japanese citrus) - about 80 cm.

Description

These trees are grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock. This makes the plant disease resistant and reasonably hardy to -5ºC degrees.

The trees are suitable for growing indoors or outdoors in pots. After two years from purchase, they can also be planted in the open ground. They bloom in spring and, depending on the weather, produce yuzu fruit within two years.

Rapid and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the flowers and fruits to fall off too early. The yuzu fruits are ripe between October - December. All trees have a height of ~80cm (including pot) and were grafted at least 3 years ago.

For trees kept outdoors, we recommend planting them in a pot for the first two years and placing them in a sheltered spot in winter and protecting them from frost. Then plant the tree in the spring in the full ground. We also recommend protecting the tree from severe frost for the next three years by wrapping it, for example.

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

Plant 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. Water once or twice a week in dry conditions. 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.

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.

Shipping

The trees are pruned for transport. The trees are then shipped with the utmost care in a large plant box. However, it may happen that a branch breaks. Don't worry, the tree will make new shoots within the few months. 

These are large trees they are therefore shipped with a separate DHL shipping service. This usually offers the package twice. Should it fail to deliver the package in these two times, it will be returned. Most pickup locations do not accept the package.