Kumquats are evergreen shrubs or trees with, glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white blossoms. The fruit are small, round or oval globes with a golden yellow to reddish orange peel. If you’re wondering how long do kumquat trees take to produce fruit, be aware that kumquats grow slowly. In terms of size a standard Meiwa kumquat tree size can reach anywhere from eight to fourteen feet high, while a dwarf Meiwa kumquat tree can grow to around six feet high.
Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about kumquats:
What types of kumquats are available?
Kumquats are native to south Asia. The two most common varieties in the US are the Meiwa kumquat tree (also known as the sweet kumquat tree, as it produces sweet kumquats) and the Nagami or sour kumquat tree, which is the most common.
Also known as the Japanese kumquat tree, the Nagami sour kumquat is one of the most frost-tolerant citrus plants available. It will survive temperatures down to 19ºF with loss of fruit. The trees are thorn-less, with a sweet peel and a sour pulp. The fruit is best when eaten whole, peel and all, because the sweetness of the peel balances out the sourness of the flesh.
If you’ve considered growing your own kumquats indoors, consider looking for a Meiwa kumquat plant for sale. The Meiwa (or sweet kumquat) is considered the best for eating fresh as it has a lower acidity, and the tree does well in containers. To increase your harvest, you could easily keep a number of sweet kumquat trees in sunny spots in your home. You can find a Meiwa kumquat tree for sale on Citrus.com, as well as a dwarf sweet kumquat tree for sale.
Do kumquat trees attract pests in the garden?
Kumquats are susceptible to most citrus pests and diseases but are generally resistant to citrus canker. The most common pest of kumquats in the home garden are aphids, scale and whitefly.
Is it difficult to care for a dwarf kumquat tree?
Looking for a dwarf kumquat tree for sale? Good choice – dwarf kumquats do well in containers. An ideal container should have at least a 15-gallon capacity. The container should have multiple holes for drainage and be raised to allow adequate drainage and air circulation. Like any container-grown plant, soil moisture should be checked often. Regular watering should maintain damp (not wet) soil. Container grown kumquats should be fertilized regularly since the frequent watering required will leach nutrients out of the soil.
When do kumquat trees bloom?
When do kumquats bloom? Compared to other citrus trees, it takes them longer to initiate flowering when warmer weather arrives. You can expect your kumquat tree to begin flowering by summer and the next crop of fruit to be ready to eat by late autumn/early winter.
When do kumquat trees bear fruit?
How long do kumquats take to grow? Ninety days is usually how long does it take for a kumquat tree to produce fruit. The fruit turns fully orange before it’s fully ripe, and the best way to determine full ripeness is through taste tasting. Since citrus fruit does not ripen well off the tree, kumquat fruit should be left on the tree until harvested. Tree-stored fruit will gradually become darker orange and sweeter over time.
What can kumquats be used for besides eating out of hand?
Kumquats can be eaten fresh although they can be tart. Kumquats can be used to make preserves, marmalade and jelly. Thinly sliced kumquats can be used as a colorful garnish or to add zest to a salad.
Fun fact about kumquats:
Kumquats often used as a decoration for the Lunar New Year! Twigs bearing multiple fruits are used as decorations for gifts or a table centerpiece. Containerized kumquat trees often given as Lunar New Years gifts, especially in Vietnam (where the fruit plays a special role in celebrations).
