Kumquats are some of the easiest citrus fruit trees to grow. Here's how to care for a kumquat tree to grow tangy, bite-sized fruits.
Are you looking to add variety to your fruit and vegetable growing? If so, we've got the perfect thing for you, a kumquat tree!
Kumquats aren't as common as some other types of fruit. They're only considered a minor type of citrus in Florida. Don't write them off, though, or you'll be missing out on a great-tasting fruit.
And, they're easy to care for, so they're perfect for new citrus growers.
How do you care for a kumquat tree? Keep reading to find out.
Kumquat Basics
Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit. Though they're not as common, they're right there alongside lemons, grapefruit, and oranges.
Like many other fruits, they're versatile and can be used in many ways. Add them to a dish, make kumquat jam, or eat them fresh. However you choose to eat them, you'll love the mix of sour and sweet flavors.
When eating kumquats, you can consume the outer rind, which is the sweetest part of the fruit. You'll likely get a high yield, so plan accordingly to avoid waste.
Temperature Requirements
Citrus trees are known for liking warm weather and not holding up so well in cold areas. Kumquat trees can actually stand up to pretty cold weather, though. You won't have to worry about them unless it gets as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even if it does get that cold where you live, you can still grow kumquats. Simply grow your Kumquat trees in a container indoors if there's a chance of the weather getting that cold.
If you plan to grow your tree(s) outside, it's best to live in warm states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona.
Growing Options
Kumquat trees can be grown outdoors or indoors. Indoors, they can be grown in pots. They're beautiful plants, so you'll likely enjoy having them around.
If you choose to grow your kumquats outside, the trees are likely to get quite a bit bigger. They can reach heights of 15 feet.
Basics of Growing Kumquats
First, make sure you get your tree in the spring. If you need to re-pot the tree, make sure you use potting soil that's meant for use with citrus and cacti.
Kumquats need a lot of water. When watering, make sure you give it a lot. Drainage holes should have water coming through them.
This type of tree needs a lot of sunlight, so make sure it's placed in an area where it will get it. This could be indoors or by a window.
Water regularly, but not too often. When the top couple inches of soil is dry again, that means it's time to water.
Humidity is important when growing kumquats. Make sure you mist them or provide a humidifier if the air in your home is on the dry side.
Don't forget to fertilize! You'll do this in the spring and summer months, every two weeks.
What to Avoid
If you want to keep your kumquat tree in good health make sure you provide the right amount of fertilizer, not too much water, and keep it safe from the wind.
Try Growing a Kumquat Tree
It may sound like there are a lot of specifics to keep track of, but really, growing a kumquat tree is easy. You just need to know the basics to have success.
Growing Trees is fun, and every tree we send comes with a 20-page care guide.
I live in Vietnam and I got my kumquat tree last February for there New Year .I was told to remove all the fruit which seemed such a shame because it was so full and was a shame to remove .
But now I am not sure when I should see the start of any new fruit and should u start to fertilise now .
Milly hudsin on