A Kumquat is a small evergreen citrus  and a native of China. It can grow in climates too cool for other citrus. They need full sun and tolerate any soil pH and most soil types as long as the soil is well-drained. They are also tolerate seaside conditions. Kumquat trees are suitable in colder area and withstand winter temperatures as low as -7 C.

They can grow from about 8 to 12ft / 2.25 to 3m( and have a vase-like or rounded shape. The trees are self-fertile, so you’ll only need one to produce fruit. Lovely fragrant white flowers appear in Spring followed by fruit in mid to late summer. The fruit is sweet and tart at the same time and is eaten without removing the peel.

Care for Kumquat Trees in Containers:

Kumquat trees don’t tolerate being root bound, so you will need a very large pot. Large drainage holes in the bottom of the pot are very important so you might need some fleece in the bottom of the pot to keep the soil from falling through. Raise the pot off the ground to improve the drainage and air circulation.

Kumquat trees in containers need extra protection during freezing weather because of the exposed roots. Either keep in a greenhouse or  cover them with a fleece blanket when frost threatens.

Kumquat Tree Care

As part of your kumquat tree care, you should keep the soil moist around young trees, but not wet or soggy. Once the tree is established, water during dry spells. Withhold fertilizer for the first two or three months. Use a fertilizer designed for citrus trees thereafter, following the label instructions. Use a layer of mulch over the root zone to help the soil hold moisture and inhibit weeds that compete with the tree for moisture and nutrients. Pull the mulch back several inches from the trunk of the tree. Kumquat trees don’t require pruning except to remove suckers that drain the tree’s resources. If you want to prune to shape the tree, do so after you harvest the fruit but before the flowers bloom in spring.

Kumquat Tree Problems

Kumquat trees are susceptible to root rot diseases. Avoid excess moisture and make sure the soil is well-drained before planting. Avoid piling mulch around the base of the tree.

Care for Citrus

Citrus (Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange)

Citrus can be kept outside from May/June to September, obviously depending on the weather, with an Indian Summer they can be kept out longer than usual. All Citrus must come in for the winter. No special pruning is required although one can improve the shape by light pruning of straggly shoots.

Citrus need winter light which is difficult to obtain in the UK so they do need to be in a glasshouse, conservatory or tunnel. Often some leaves will turn yellow and drop off but they will re-grow with warm spring sunshine. Another grower has suggested that once a month, breaking up several spent tea bags and stirring them into the compost’ which seems to be a good idea. Rotted leaves will have the same effect.

Suggested home remedy,  About once a month, from November to March, add 1 level teaspoonful of Epsom Salts to each Citrus and water in – this will improve leaf colour and general well-being. Spray with a fine mist of water in spring to assist pollination. If scale insects appear on the undersides of the leaves spray with some leaf defence. Some gardeners recommend dabbing scale insects with a paintbrush dipped in methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol, although these substances are not approved as pesticides.

How To Grow Citrus Container Growing

Citrus are really only suitable for growing in patio tubs or containers in Britain. Choose one of a good size for the tree or shrub you are planting. Be careful not to pant in too small a container, a plant loaded with foliage and fruit can easily become top-heavy in high winds and it will also need to be re-potted much sooner as it grows.

There are many containers available but it is important to choose one that has good drainage. There should be holes in the base to ensure good drainage and prevent root rot.  It is always a good idea to put stones or rubble into the bottom of the container to help with drainage and prevent soil from falling out. Ideally, the container should be stood on a couple of house bricks or on gravel to assist drainage.

Aftercare

In the first growing season after planting it is vital to ensure the plant is adequately watered – and this is even more critical in extended dry periods or drought. When watering any newly planted stock ‘a bucket a week’ is favourable to a teacup a day, and will encourage a good, deep root system.

Keep the area around the base of your plant free of weeds and grass which would otherwise compete for moisture and nutrients.

To further aid moisture retention it is a good idea to mulch around your plant with chipped bark, well-rotted manure or similar; this will also help with suppressing weed growth.

During the active growing season, an occasional feed with our ‘Instant Life’ citrus food or a light top dressing with a base fertiliser will prove beneficial. Under no circumstances be tempted to overfeed!

Pruning and Training

Many many books have been written on fruit pruning and training therefore we would recommend Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham (DK Publishing).