Citrus japonica
Kumquat
Also known as Citrus kumquat, Fortunella margarita, Citrus madurensis, Citrus kinokuni, Citrus x nobilis var. inermis
- Height × spread
- 1.8m × 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The kumquat is loved for its small delicious fruits. The plant itself, though slow-growing, will make a substantial specimen over time. Since it develops slowly it is often grown in a container for a number of years, either kept in the house or conservatory, or set outside for the summer months. It has bay-like green leaves, smooth and tapering to a point and makes a pleasing plant. The fruits appear in winter. The plant was introduced from China and was discovered by the great collector, Robert Fortune. This has given it its alternative name - Fortunella - under which it is often sold. There are a number of cultivars. The cultivar 'Marumi' has round fruits whilst the 'Meiwa' has particularly sweet ones. 'Nagami' has sweet-tasting peel.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1.8m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Height in 10 years
- 0.9m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0.4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Reduce fruit to prevent branches breaking
Inspect the tree as fruit grows - reduce the numbers of fruit at the ends of branches to prevent branches breaking under their weight. This will also increase the size of remaining fruit. This is especially needed for young trees.
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth
Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with citrus plant food
Feed citrus plants a high nitrogen citrus Summer food from March to October, and a citrus Winter food November to February.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Compost for citrus plants
Use citrus compost when planting in pots, or to improve soils when planting in the ground.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.
Found in
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Citrus japonica
Kumquat