The Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree is a striking variegated tree that grows small, tasty kumquats that are sweet and tangy like a small tangerine blended with a tart kumquat. Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees have green and yellow streaked leaves which makes them stand out in any garden, even among other citrus trees. Not only are the trees beautiful, but their fruit is also pretty. Centennial Variegated Kumquats are yellow with green stripes as they grow, then they turn orange with red streaks when they mature.
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees have fragrant leaves and blooms, which add year-round enjoyment to the landscape. The trees bloom in fall and the streaked red and orange kumquats mature for harvesting in late winter. Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees are suited for growing in the ground within USDA Growing Zones 8-11, or in pots in Zones 4-11. They reach sizes of 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and can be kept even smaller through pruning.
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree Care
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees are small and shrub-like. They grow a naturally bushy upright shape, are thornless, and the fruit has a thin, edible skin. Since the Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree was first discovered as a mutated sport from an open-pollinated Nagami kumquat seedling, it is thought that the Centennial is a Kumquat-Mandarin hybrid.
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees prefer deep slow watering. When the soil is dry to two inches deep, water with a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose. You can also use a small fountain-type sprinkler on a low volume water flow. Water the area under the tree slowly and for several hours. Be sure the soil drains well and do not water when heavy rains are expected.
Fruit & Harvesting
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees are small and shrub-like. They grow a naturally bushy upright shape, are thornless, and the fruit has a thin, edible skin. Since the Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree was first discovered as a mutated sport from an open-pollinated Nagami Kumquat seedling, it is thought that the Centennial could be a Kumquat-Mandarin hybrid. Their fruit is juicy, sweeter than many other Kumquats, and may be seedless or have a few seeds.
Centennial Variegated Kumquats bloom their sweet-smelling flowers in late fall. The fruit ripens by late winter making them popular for holiday tables. It is also common for some Centennial Variegated Kumquats to remain on the tree year round as the trees may also bloom at other times of the year, even with fruit from a previous crop still on the branches. Centennial Kumquats are oval with a short neck on the stem-end. They can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used for marmalade.
Advice
The small size of the Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree makes it perfect for growing in a pot. The self-pollinating trees are easy to grow and can bloom and produce dozens of delicious Centennial Kumquats even as a container-grown tree. Use coarse soil that drains well and place your potted Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree in a spot that gets as much sunlight per day as possible. Grow your tree outdoors on a patio or deck if you can, and bring it indoors for the coldest winter months.
If you are planting a Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree in the ground, pick a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in the spring and summer. Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees can grow and even make some fruit in more shaded locations, but the more sun the better. Be sure the spot never has standing water, and fertilize new trees every three months for their first year in the ground. After the first year the trees need only be fertilized in spring and summer.
FAQs
How tall will a Centennial Variegated Kumquat Tree get?
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees growing in good locations will reach heights of between 7 and 10 feet, and widths of between 3 to 4 feet.
How do you eat Centennial Variegated Kumquats?
Centennial Variegated Kumquats can be eaten whole. The skin is edible, and they have very few seeds if any. The small seeds can be eaten or discarded.
Do Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees need a pollinator tree?
Centennial Variegated Kumquat Trees are self-pollinating and can grow blooms and fruit on their own. Growing two or more kumquats can help the trees produce larger crops.
What are some uses for Centennial Variegated Kumquats?
Centennial Variegated Kumquats are good for eating fresh, making juice, and for making jellies or marmalades. Centennial Variegated Kumquats can also be used to infuse distilled spirits to make liqueur, or as an ingredient in tropical salads.
