Growing Kumquats
Kumquats are a delicious citrus fruit high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants! You actually eat the skin and can use it to make sauces and jams. It is one of my favorite fruits to grow!
Growing kumquats is surprisingly easy and can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy citrus fruits and gardening. Here are some tips for growing kumquats:
- Climate: Kumquats thrive in warm climates similar to other citrus trees. They do well in USDA hardiness zones 9-10. They can be grown in pots, and in cooler climates can be brought indoors during winter.
- Sunlight: They require full sunlight to flourish, ideally 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential.
- Watering: Kumquats like regular watering, especially during dry spells or when grown in pots. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely.
- Fertilizing: We use an organic citrus fertilizer (see picture below) and compost made at home. IMPORTANT: Do not fertilize in South Florida from May 15 to October 21 to avoid excess nitrogen and phosphorus rundown in our water ways during rainy season. This link tells you all about it: https://www.miamiwaterkeeper.org/fertilizerresources
- Pruning: Prune your kumquat tree to maintain its shape and promote airflow. Remove dead or diseased branches and any crossing branches to encourage healthy growth.
- Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common citrus pests like scale insect and aphids. We treat infestations with a mix of natural soap and water or neem oil and water. Also, watch for signs of diseases like citrus canker which can be devastating for the plant.
- Harvesting: This all depends on your growing zone. You can check your growing zone in the United States here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Kumquat trees also look beautiful when in bloom and fruiting, they add a gorgeous pop of color in your yard or patio! I hope these tips help you successfully grow kumquats and enjoy their unique sweet-tart flavor straight from your garden or patio!
Let’s grow food!
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