Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
4.5m | Max | 5m |
2m | Min | 2m |
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter
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.
More images of Kumquat
Kumquat Overview
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.
Common problems with Kumquat
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.
Kumquat Companion Plants
Strong herbs like rosemary or wild garlic will keep pests away!
How to propagate Kumquat
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
Budding
Propagate from seed or cuttings and varieties by budding onto rootstock in autumn or spring.
Special features of Kumquat
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 fruits
Attractive leaves
Dark green, glossy leaves that form a vase-like or rounded canopy.
Indoor plant
Other uses of Kumquat
Culinary
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.
