Kumquat tree, also known as Citrus japonica, is an easy-to-grow fruit tree. Of all the lemon trees, this is the most beautiful with its dark green, shiny leaves. It is known for its bright orange fruits that are deliciously sour and sweet.
These trees native to East Asia are small and beautiful. If you want to grow them in your garden or near a window, read on.
Fast care
Massive harvest of Japanese orange fruit from a small section of a tree.
| Common Name (s) | Kumquat, Nagami Kumquat |
| Scientific name | Citrus japonica |
| Keimzeit | 2-4 weeks |
| Days to harvest | ~ 90 days for fruit to form |
| light | Full sun |
| Water: | medium |
| ground | Sandy clay light clay |
| fertilizer | Frequently |
| pests | Citrus pests, mealybug, aphids |
| Diseases | Armillaria root rot, anthracnose, citrus explosion |
Kumquat plants have thornless branches and extremely shiny leaves. They have delicate white flowers that appear in clusters or individually in the leaf axils. The plants can reach a height of up to 8 feet and become 6 feet wide. They bear yellowish-orange fruits that are oval or round. The fruits can be 1 "in diameter and have a sweet, pulpy skin and slightly acidic inner pulp.
Though they are citrus trees, the kumquat's heyday begins much later. Japanese orange tree blooms in late spring in early summer. It is an easy-care, hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -7 ° C.
Kumquat varieties
Botanically, many of the varieties of kumquats are classified as their own species rather than one:
- Nagami: The most popular variety, also called oval kumquat.
- Meiwa: Large round kumquat, a mixture of Nagami and Marumi.
- marumi: Round kumquat, a bit more spicy in taste than "Nagami".
- Hong Kong: A native version that often grows in hilly or mountainous regions of China.
Kumquat trees produce round, oval and bell-shaped fruits at will. Nagami kumquats, the most popular, have elongated, juicy fruits that can be eaten whole or used to make jams.
All kumquat trees are self-pollinating, so you only need to grow one tree. The plants need moist soil, so they need plenty of water to prevent the roots from drying out. Kumquats tolerate both cold and hot temperatures.
Plant a kumquat tree
Growing a kumquat tree is very easy. Find out when, where and how you can plant this attractive evergreen tree.
When to plant
You can successfully start a new kumquat plant by using the seed in the spring. Spring is the ideal time for kumquats, as the temperatures are pleasant and the chance of rain and of course the sun rise.
Where to plant
Plant in a place where the sun is shining. Although they can handle any type of soil well, they are particularly suitable for conditions by the sea. You can still plant them in your garden or outside on your patio as long as they get well drained soil. They are also suitable for pots or containers with suitable drainage holes.
How to plant
It is better to buy a kumquat tree at a local kindergarten. Kumquat can sprout from seeds, but the plant is usually weak. Choose a sunny location and plant the tree in the spring to ensure that the kumquat is firmly established before winter sets in.
After selecting the site, dig a hole that is at least 3-5 times wider than the root ball. Place the tree carefully in the hall and make sure that the floor is level with the floor. Tap the bottom for a smooth layer.
Since kumquats need to be watered regularly, water the plant thoroughly and do not let the soil dry out. Fog often at least a few times a week until the tree settles.
Add organic mulch to the environment (about 5 to 6 cm) while keeping the mulch at least 5 cm from the trunk.
Provide adequate irrigation and soil conditions for about a month, and then fertilize. You can use a high quality citrus formula.
Kumquat Tree Care
A kumquat tree full of fruits that I picked last summer.
Kumquat tree, known as Nagami kumquat, is relatively easy to grow. However, like other citrus trees, it cannot survive through neglect. When planting the tree, it is important that you treat it carefully. The trip is extremely worthwhile once the kumquat tree bears delicious citrus fruits. Here you will find a list of how you maintain and maintain it.
Sun and temperature
As mentioned earlier, kumquats grow best in full sun. You need at least 6-7 hours of sunlight a day for healthy root development. If you are growing them indoors, make sure to keep them near a window for maximum sun exposure. Kumquats perform well in USDA climate zones 9 and 10 and can survive in temperatures down to -7 ° C. When the temperatures drop, bring them in.
irrigation
The key to growing citrus is proper watering. When growing kumquats in pots, the soil must be moist but not wet. To do this, you must ensure that the container has suitable drainage holes.
Kumquats need to be watered regularly, especially when the plants are young. However, be careful not to overdo it. To check the hydration, stick your finger at least 5 to 10 cm in the ground. If you feel damp, wait for the soil to dry out a bit to water it again. However, if you notice any sign of dryness, water the plants until they drain from the bottom of the pot. You can also use light fog to avoid excess water.
ground
Kumquat tree survives well in almost any soil pH. But when you grow it, use high quality potting soil to enrich it. You can also add a layer of gravel or pebble to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilize
Apart from the cold winter months, kumquat plants regularly need fertilizer. In spring, feed the plant with a universal, slowly releasing citrus fertilizer. As the plant grows, give it regular diluted liquid fertilizers such as fish emulsion or liquid seaweed. Always water before and after application to avoid burning the leaves.
clipping
Kumquat tree doesn't need a lot of pruning unless you need to remove dead or withering branches that soak up the tree's resources. If you want to shape the tree, be sure to do this before spring flowering and after the fruits are harvested.
Multiply kumquat trees
The trees are generally not grown from seeds. You can multiply them by grafting them onto the rootstocks of grapefruit and oranges.
repotting
If you grow kumquat trees in containers, you must repot them every 2-3 years in containers that are at least a few inches larger than the previous ones. The ideal time to repot is during leaf growth in spring.
Harvest and store
How to harvest and store the fruits of kumquat trees.
harvest
Harvest time for most varieties starts from November to January, for others from December to April. The fruit is ripe when it is slightly soft and deep orange. Pick the fruit with scissors to avoid damaging the plant. You can also cut the fruit together with a small piece of the branch.
storage
Kumquat fruits do not have a long shelf life because they have thin, delicate skins. If you want to keep them for about a week, keep them in fully covered paper bags or plastic bags at room temperature. However, it is best to keep the fruits in the refrigerator.
Troubleshooting
Even if kumquat trees need a lot of care, gardeners don't have many growing problems.
The trees are prone to root rot if the soil is not well drained. The best way to avoid this is to ensure proper drainage and only use water when necessary.
pests
Kumquat trees are susceptible to mealybug infestation, citrus pests and aphids. Keep the soil well drained and avoid excessive moisture and accumulate too much mulch around the tree. A good insecticidal soap or a sturdy horticultural oil help fight the infestation.
Diseases
Root rot, citrus blast and anthracnose are other common diseases. If you see signs of root rot, it's best to remove the affected branch. Protect the trees from strong winds and then cut off any sick branches and dead branches to avoid citrus fruits.
FAQs
Q. Where do kumquats grow in the United States?
Kumquat trees are most commonly grown in Florida and California.
Question: What are the benefits of eating kumquat fruit?
Kumquat fruits are incredibly rich in vitamin C and fiber. Eating them can strengthen the immune system and support weight loss.
The green thumbs behind this article:
Kevin Espiritu
founder
