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Kumquat

Fortunella japonica

syn. Citrus japonica, Cumquat, Round kumquat, Marumi kumquat, Morgani kumquat (Eng.), Koemkwat (Afr.)

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Kumquats are small evergreen trees or shrubs that produce tangy fruits with edible skins that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. A well-maintained kumquat tree can grow hundreds or thousands of fruits yearly. The flowers are fragrant and pretty. Kumquats are popular ornamental plants. The fruits can be used in various dishes, including salads, or made into marmalades, preserves and liqueurs.

Planning

Difficulty

Moderate

Flowering time

Winter

Fruiting time

Summer, Autumn

Harvesting

Fruits are ripe when their skin is a deep orange color and are slightly soft to the touch. Cut off the fruit with a knife or scissors so you do not damage the plant.

Propagation

Cuttings

Kumquat can be vegetatively propagated using rootstock of another citrus fruit or cuttings (using a rooting hormone). Graft kumquat cutting on the growing rootstock.

Seed

Not easy to grow from seed. Do not dry seeds. Sow 2 cm deep in moist, well-drained potting soil. Seedlings should appear in 2-4 weeks. Graft the seedlings with good bearing wood.

Layering

Air layering

Special features

Pot plant

A large pot with very good drainage is needed that is raised off the ground to improve drainage and air circulation. Cover plants with a blanket in winter in very cold climates or take indoors.

Hedge plant

Can be clipped into a neat hedge.

Attractive flowers

Fragrant flowers that bloom either singly or clustered.

Attractive leaves

Dark green, glossy leaves that form a vase-like or rounded canopy.

Geography

Origin

South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region China

Natural climate

Sub-tropical

Environment

Light

Full Sun

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Alkaline, Neutral

Frost hardiness

Half-Hardy

Uses

Edible

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked or used to make marmalades and jellies.

Medicinal

Mineral and vitamins will keep you healthy preventing diseases like scurvy.

Notes

Culinary

Personality

Family

Rutaceae

Flower colour

White

Scent

Strong

Problems

Root rot: Avoid excess moisture and make sure the soil is well-draining before planting. Avoid piling mulch around the base of the tree. Aphids, mites, scale, mealybugs, and caterpillars are also problems.