Kumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae. They were previously classified as forming the now-historical genus Fortunella, or placed within Citrus, sensu lato. The edible fruit closely resembles the orange (Citrus sinensis) in color and shape but is much smaller, being approximately the size of a large olive. Kumquat is a fairly cold-hardy citrus.
As part of your kumquat tree care, you should keep the soil moist around young trees, but not wet or soggy. Once the tree is established, water during dry spells. Kumquat trees donât tolerate being root bound, so you will need a very large pot.
Withhold fertilizer for the first two or three months. Use a fertilizer designed for citrus trees thereafter, following the label instructions. Use a layer of mulch over the root zone to help the soil hold moisture and inhibit weeds that compete with the tree for moisture and nutrients. Pull the mulch back several inches from the trunk of the tree. Apart from the cold winter months, kumquat plants need regular fertilizer. In spring, feed the plant with an all-purpose, slow-release citrus fertilizer. As the plant grows, give it diluted liquid fertilizer, like fish emulsion or liquid kelp on an occasional basis. Always water well before applying liquid fertilizers.
A soil composed of peat moss, loam, or sand, or any soil mixture with good drainage can be used. The soil should not be overly fertile.
A container that is about one-third as tall as the plant (measured from the soil line to the highest leaf) often works best.
