Description
The Nagami Sour Kumquat Tree have an overall rounded shape or vase-like canopy and dense, glossy green foliage. This kumquat tree has beautiful, fragrant white flowers that turn into olive-sized, sweet and tart orange fruit. The oval shaped fruit have the edible sweet rind and flesh delivers a tart and juicy flavor.
Nagami kumquat trees, botanical name Fortunella margarita or Citrus margarita, are fruit-bearing, evergreen citrus trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae. These kumquat trees are a cold/drought tolerant and pest resistant. Nagami kumquat trees are small citrus trees that have an overall rounded shape or vase-like canopy and dense, glossy green foliage that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and 6 ft wide.
They have been naturalized in South America but kumquat trees are said to have originated in China and have been propagated since the 121th century AD. The kumquat trees are an important ingredient is traditional Japanese cooking. The Nagami kumquat tree was first introduced in America in 1855 via Japan and was primarily used for aesthetic purposes. The growth of the Asian population gave birth to culinary market for this citrus fruit.
Like many dwarf citrus trees, the kumquat tree is self-pollinating and has beautiful, fragrant white flowers that turn into olive-sized, sweet and tart orange fruits. The oval shaped fruits have a smooth pebbled surface and the edible sweet rind and flesh delivers a tart and juicy flavor similar to that of lemon. When eaten whole, you’ll get to enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of this fruit.
Because of its versatile flavor, Nagami kumquats are used in both sweet and savory preparations. It can be paired with other citrus fruits, nuts, seafood, salad greens, jellies, ice cream, and many cuts of poultry, fish, and meat.
Just like other citrus trees, kumquat trees are rarely if ever grown from seed. Rather they are propagated by air layering, cuttings and using rootstock of other citrus trees.Kumquats can be grown in the ground in USDA growing zones 8 – 11 but can be planted in a pots in colder zones.
Citrus Tree Care
Growing kumquat trees is fairly easy. Follow the tips we have below and you are guaranteed a healthy kumquat tree that bears tasty fruit.
- Kumquat trees do not like being root bound so they should be planted in the ground or a very big clay container if planting in a pot. They can tolerate any soil ph and most soil types but does better with slightly acidic soil that drains well.
- For planting and growing kumquat trees in pots, you should drill large holes at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage and air circulation. Also make sure to cover the holes with window screen material to prevent soil from falling out.
- Citrus trees thrive in full sun and dwarf kumquat trees are no exception. In terms of sun the more the better. Since it is a tropical plant it is ideal for outdoor planting in USDA growing zones 8-11. The good news is if you want to grow kumquat trees in locations that experience cold weather, you can do so by planting the tree in a pot and take it indoors when the temperature dips below 24°F to protect it from frost damage. Having your kumquat tree indoors you will be able to enjoy the fragrant citrus scent which will brighten your home during winter days.
- Growing citrus trees do not like wet feet, they need to be watered appropriately so the water can get into the root system. Before the next watering make sure that the top 2-3 inches of the soil is totally dry to avoid over watering that will cause root rot and the leaves to turn yellow and droop.
- For Kumquats planted in a pot, stick your index finger into the soil down to about 2 inches and check for moisture. If moisture is present do not water the plant and wait until it gets dry at that depth. Once the soil feels more dry, water the plant until the water runs out of the holes at the base of the pot.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the tree, over the root zone, the help the soil retain moisture and discourage weeds from growing as they may compete with the tree for getting both water and nutrients from the soil. Make sure that the mulch does not touch the tree in order to prevent root rot.
Directions for Planting Kumquat Trees in Ground – USDA growing zones 8-11
- Dig a hole on the ground that is as deep as the root system and twice as wide.
- Put the tree in the hole on the ground and fill with soil.
- Tamp down the soil while filling the hole to ensure no pockets are formed.
- Deeply water for 5 minutes and mulch around the tree to keep the moisture. This will also insulate the roots and keep them warm during cold weather.
Directions for Planting Kumquat Trees in Pots – USDA growing zones 4-11
- Use a pot that is larger than the one your newly bought Kumquat Tree arrived in. Fill the pot halfway with potting soil. Remove the tree from its current container and gently place it in the soil.
- Fill the tree with the remaining soil but do not cover the grafted area. Leave an inch from soil surface to the rim of the pot for watering.
- Pat down the soil and deeply water until it flows from the holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Place pot in a south-facing window
Kumquat Tree Fertilizer
- Use a citrus fertilizer in spring and summer once every 6 weeks with specialized fertilizer for citrus trees. During fall and winter, cut back on fertilizing to once every 2-3 months.
Fruit & Harvesting
Fruit
Nagami kumquats are oval shaped fruits that grow as big as 2.5 – 5cm. The fruit is eaten whole skin, flesh, seeds and all. The unique thing about Nagami kumquats is that the sweetness is not from the flesh but from the skin. The flesh of Nagami kumquats are actually tart but when eaten whole they have the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness creating a refreshing experience you will not find in other fruits.
Aside from eating kumquats raw, you can also use Nagami kumquats to make salad, use as ice cream toppings, make marmalades and jellies and add as ingredient to make delicious seafood and other meat dishes.
Harvesting
Kumquat trees are mostly grown in Florida, Alabama, California, Hawaii and Louisiana. They can also be found in Nevada, Arizona and other parts of Eastern and Southern-Midwest part of the United States.
Nagami kumquat trees are prolific bloomers and fruit bearers all year round with fruit bearing concentrated in winter. A single tree can bear hundreds of the sweet-tangy fruit that look great nestling among the lush green leaves. These fruits are low in calories yet rich in anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
From the time the small green fruit emerge from a dainty, fragrant white bloom, it takes approximately a month for the Nagami kumquat fruit to turn bright orange and ripen. To know if the fruit is ready for harvesting look for plump, brightly colored, firm fruit and do a taste test. Use a sharp knife or scissors to snip the fruit from the tree to avoid damaging the branch. If the fruit is juicy and has the right sweet-tart flavor then the rest of the fruit can be harvested from the tree. Remember, like other citrus fruits, once Nagami kumquats are harvested from the kumquat tree, they do not ripen any further.
Harvested kumquats can be stored at room temperature for a few days and up to 2 weeks if refrigerated.
Advice
Similar to other dwarf citrus trees,Nagami kumquat trees tend to stay smaller when planted in a pot but can grow up to 6-10ft when planted in the ground. The usual bloom season for Nagami kumquat trees is during the summer and fruit harvesting season is in winter. The fruits need heat to turn sweet and should be protected below 24°F.
Pruning
Pruning can be done any time of the year except in winter to avoid frost damage which can hinder kumquat tree growth. Cut away diseased, leggy, or dead branches by making a 45-degree angle cut. Pruning the tree ensures that more light flows between the branches and allows for better air circulation.
You should also remove any suckers that form or grow at the base of the kumquat tree as they will only steal nutrients from the kumquat tree which it requires to grow healthy and strong.
Pest and Diseases
Kumquat trees are disease resistant and cold/drought hardy. However, this fruit tree is susceptible to root rot which in turn will cause cankers, oozing of black sap, and sometimes development of dark vertical streaks.
You can prevent root rot by keeping the soil as dry as possible and watering properly. Make sure not to water the plant until the soil is almost completely dry. You can also improve the soil by applying organic matter so it drains freely. If bettering the drainage is not possible, you can use raised beds where the plant roots sit above the soil. There are also biological and chemical fungicides that can help in treating root rot, but they should only be used once you have determined which fungus caused the problem.
When it comes to pests, Aphids and Scales sometimes attack Kumquat trees. You can use beneficial bugs that are natural predators to these pests. Natural enemies to Aphids and Scales are lacewings and ladybugs. You can also use neem oil spray or other insecticides which should be applied thoroughly each week for a month or more for the best results.
The citrus leaf miner is another common pest that can harm citrus trees. This disease deforms leaves which reduces the ability of the kumquat tree to photosynthesize. This pest can inhibit the growth and fruit production of your kumquat trees.
You can use predatory insects like lacewings and parasitoid wasps to control citrus leaf miners. You can also make use of Pheromone traps, topical sprays and systematic chemicals to get rid of these citrus tree pests.
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