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. Kumquat’s can be grown in the ground in USDA growing zones 8 – 11 but can be planted in a pots in colder zones.
Excellent quality of the item. Perfect shipping. The plant is currently in a suitable temperature because it is a bit cold outside. He is my baby and is treated with great care. At the right time I will change the vase with a larger one because when it is cold I move it to a better place. Thanks so much you did a great job
I was hopeful, however, after paying $124 in total for this little Nagami Kumquat, the company Yarden, inadvertently shipped this tree to my billing address in NY instead of home address in Florida. The company did nothing to remedy this matter the mistake from their online ordering system . I had to get involved with FedEx and have this rerouted after many calls trying to resolve. Yarden offered no assistance. As a result, the tree traveled an extra 4 days beyond the normal delivery time in a cardbord box…and arrived in shock and falling leaves when it got to my address. My disappointment was the unwillingness for Yarden to offer help. Now I am hoping the tree will live. I never give bad reviews, however, this was disappointing.
healthy plant shipped securely, sent in a deep but soil was clayey at the bottom and taproot was folded up on itself. very leafy, good graft, should be fine.
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.
Growing Zones
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.
FAQs
What time of year will my Nagami kumquat tree bloom?
Kumquats take their time after fruiting in the winter and slowly recover through spring. As such, kumquats normally bloom in mid-summer.
Will deer eat the fruit of a Nagami Kumquat Tree?
It is possible that deer will eat Kumquats, but many reports suggest that deer will often disregard citrus. There is no way to be certain of the behavior of individual animals, and since Kumquats are edible, it is possible that some deer may eat them.
Will a Nagami Kumquat Tree tolerate full sun?
Yes. The Nagami Kumquat Tree is a member of the citrus family and will grow well in a full sun location.
What kind of potting soil should I use to grow a Nagami Kumquat Tree in a pot?
Citrus trees such as the Nagami Kumquat Tree like to grow in a sandy loam soil that drains well. A suitable mixture would be 3 parts bagged potting mix, one part perlite, one part composted manure (such as composted cow or chicken manure), and one part clean sand. You can also use a mixture of two parts potting mix, one part cactus mix, and one part organic material such as composted leaves or grass clippings. The important thing is that the soil is rich with organic matter, but also drains well.
Is the Nagami Kumquat Tree cold hardy?
The Nagami Kumquat Tree is hardy for USDA Zones 8-11. In those areas you can grow the tree in the ground. In colder areas you can grow a Nagami Kumquat Tree in a pot by keeping it outdoors in the summer, and bringing it inside under a sunny window in the winter. When you move a potted citrus tree from inside to outside (or outside to indoors) it is normal for some leaves to drop, and then grow back once the tree is acclimated to the new area.
How do you eat a kumquat?
Kumquats are the smallest citrus fruit. They have sweet skin and tart pulp. You can eat them whole by cutting off the stem-end tip, squeezing the tart juice out, and eating the sweet rind. You can also eat the fruit whole if you like the tart juice as well. They have small edible seeds. Kumquats can also be made into marmalade, sliced for salads, and used in many dishes and desserts.
When should I plant my Nagami Kumquat tree?
If you are planting the Nagami Kumquat Tree in the ground outside, you can plant it in the spring after any threat or possibility of frost is over. If you are planting the Nagami Kumquat Tree in a pot to be grown indoors or in a sunny spot outside, you can plant it any time. Always bring potted plants inside if the temperature is going to be at or below freezing.
Andrea Amoruso (verified owner) –
Excellent quality of the item. Perfect shipping. The plant is currently in a suitable temperature because it is a bit cold outside. He is my baby and is treated with great care. At the right time I will change the vase with a larger one because when it is cold I move it to a better place. Thanks so much you did a great job
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
I was hopeful, however, after paying $124 in total for this little Nagami Kumquat, the company Yarden, inadvertently shipped this tree to my billing address in NY instead of home address in Florida. The company did nothing to remedy this matter the mistake from their online ordering system . I had to get involved with FedEx and have this rerouted after many calls trying to resolve. Yarden offered no assistance. As a result, the tree traveled an extra 4 days beyond the normal delivery time in a cardbord box…and arrived in shock and falling leaves when it got to my address. My disappointment was the unwillingness for Yarden to offer help. Now I am hoping the tree will live. I never give bad reviews, however, this was disappointing.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Glenn L. (verified owner) –
Quality product, well packaged and arrived in very good condition despite travelling across the country. Customer service second to none.
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Dana (verified owner) –
Arrived on time and in excellent condition.
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Melanie K. (verified owner) –
healthy plant shipped securely, sent in a deep but soil was clayey at the bottom and taproot was folded up on itself. very leafy, good graft, should be fine.
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Citrus Customer Care (store manager) –
Thank you for your positive review. Once you repot your tree we know it will thrive. We appreciate your business.
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