How to grow a kumquat at home?

Kumquat is considered a native of China, introduced to the European and American continents in the nineteenth century. It is now native to many countries and is often referred to as the Japanese orange.

The evergreen citrus tree kumquat, which many growers dream of growing at home, attracts attention with its exotic appearance. It belongs to the Fortunella family and is called by the Japanese kinkan, that is, "golden orange", and by the Chinese - kumquat, which means "golden apple". In shops, the fruits of this tree can also be found under the name "Chinese mandarin".

Outwardly, it looks like a miniature orange, but it tastes like a tangerine, only with an edible peel.

general description

Kumquat, planting and caring for which at home is not too difficult, enjoys well-deserved popularity among amateur flower growers.

The woody shrub of the kumquat is distinguished by its compact-miniature size with a well-developed crown and medium-sized leaves due to dense tillering. The plant blooms with pinkish white fragrant flowers, giving abundant fruiting.

The skin of the kumquat fruit is quite sweet, and the flesh has a sour taste. Therefore, it is recommended to eat them whole at once, so that the taste is mixed and balanced. The easiest way to grow this crop is by grafting onto another citrus, such as lemon, or by grafting. When propagated by seeds, fruiting occurs only after ten years, therefore, growing a kumquat from seeds at home is quite laborious, but an interesting task that requires care and patience from the grower.

Cultivars

Kumquat lends itself well to crossing with other citrus fruits, therefore there are widely known interspecific and interspecific hybrids:

• limequat (lime with kumquat);
• calamondin (kumquat with tangerine);
• oranjevat (tangerine with kumquat) and others.

Due to its small stature, the plant is often used to form a bonsai-kumquat.

Growing at home this room culture is suitable for all varieties, as well as for its hybrid with tangerine sour. But more often than not, amateur growers use the more resistant varieties Nagami and Marumi with orange fruits similar to olives, Meiva with round sweet berries and Indio Mandarinquat with large bell-shaped orange fruits.

Growth and flowering of kumquat

In a room near the trees of this culture, growth begins in late April-early May, and, depending on the conditions of detention, lasts from thirty to fifty days. An adult plant has one growth period, and a young plant has two (with an average growth of six to ten centimeters).Under the conditions of a room, a one and a half meter kumquat can grow, cultivation at home for this reason, for full development, should be carried out in a fairly large container.

The flowering of the plant begins in mid-summer and lasts until the end of August. After the first wave of flowering is over, after a couple of weeks, as a rule, the second one begins.

The bisexual white small flowers of the plant, collected in a brush, allow it to be cross-pollinated, but the process of self-pollination can also occur. The flowering of a crop must be regulated for good fruiting. Thirty-gram fruits of bright orange or golden yellow color, round or oval, up to five centimeters in length and up to two centimeters on the cut appear from the beginning to the end of winter, within almost three months.

Kumquat: growing at home, care

The plant is demanding on light and moisture. For good development in the summer, he is provided with a place with diffused sunlight, it is better if it is outdoors. In winter, the kumquat must be kept on the south side at a temperature of about fifteen degrees Celsius in a bright room. If a decrease in temperature cannot be achieved, then for a good development of the tree, it is necessary to increase the length of daylight hours.

Watering the culture should be carried out only with warm water, and in winter it should be moderate, and in summer - abundant, but without drying out and waterlogging of the earth. From using cold water for watering, the plant sheds its foliage.

In hot weather and during the heating season, it is necessary to regularly spray the kumquat with warm water or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

In order for the fruiting process of such a plant as kumquat to go well on the windowsill, the conditions for growing necessarily imply systematic feeding, maintaining the ambient temperature and the correct formation of the crown. For the latter, in the spring, after pinching, all lateral shoots are pruned, while leaving three to four young shoots on each lateral branch.

Transplant and soil for the plant

In late winter - early spring, before shoots begin to grow, a fruiting kumquat is transplanted. Growing at home requires doing this once every two to three years.

The transplanting process itself is carried out by the transshipment method, without damaging the earthen coma and roots. In this case, it is necessary to completely change the drainage. The gaps between the clod and the walls of the new pot are filled and compacted with fresh soil. Then the tree is abundantly moistened and placed in a warm, dark room for a couple of weeks. At this time, it is necessary to regularly spray the crown with warm water.

For planting a kumquat, a soil mixture containing the following components is best suited: medium-grained sand - half a part; leaf humus or rotted manure - one part; fertile garden land - one part; turf soil - two parts.

For younger plants, a soil mixture is needed that is lighter in composition, and for fruit-bearing trees, the proportion of garden or sod land is increased by one and a half to two times.

Kumquat: growing at home from the bone

Despite the complexity and duration of the process, many growers still try to grow kumquat from seeds.

This process can be described step by step as follows:

1. Seed collection. Seeds should only be harvested from fresh and well-ripened fruits. After extraction, the seeds are washed and slightly dried.
2. Preparing for landing. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in any antiseptic stimulant. Tall flower pots up to eight centimeters in diameter are prepared for seedlings, and they are also disinfected. Drainage from expanded clay is laid at the bottom.
3. Prepare a mixture of river sand and garden soil in equal proportions or buy a soil mixture for citrus fruits.The earth prepared with your own hands must be calcined in the oven.
4. Planting seeds. The seeds are planted in moistened soil with a depth of 2 cm, three pieces in a pot, covered with foil and placed in heat (+20 ° C).
5. Picking. Seedlings will appear in about a month and a half. After four real leaves sprout, the seedlings dive into separate pots.

Despite the fact that the Nagami kumquat gives the best seed germination, growing it and other varieties at home should be done in several pots, since not all seeds will sprout.

Fertilizers for kumquat

The fertilizer application schedule and their amount depends on many factors: on the composition of the land, on the age of the tree and its condition, on the size of the planting capacity, and more.

If a large plant grows in a small pot, then you need to fertilize it more often.

Fruiting plants are fed from March to September three times a month, during the dormant period - no more than one. The composition of the mineral solution for fertilization should be as follows: ammonium nitrate - 2.5 g; potassium salt or potassium chloride - 1.5 g; simple superphosphate - 5 g; water - 1 l.

Top dressing with wood ash diluted in water will also be useful for the plant.

Cooking use

For consumption, the skin of the berries is not cut off. Kumquat fruits are amazingly tasty not only fresh. Marmalade, candied fruits, jams and preserves cooked from them are healthy and tasty. Kumquat berries add an amazing taste to yoghurt and cottage cheese desserts, as well as to the refreshing sweet and sour juice made from them.

Also, the fruits of this plant are used as seasonings for salads, sauces for animal and poultry meat, fish, as well as an ingredient in fruit salads. Cold and hot dishes, sandwich skewers, cocktail glasses are often decorated with these beautiful fresh berries on festive tables.

Such fruits are also good as a snack for alcoholic spirits: cognac, whiskey, vodka and others. In cocktails with martini kumquat successfully replaces orange juice, and in gin and tonic - lemon.

Healing properties

The beneficial and medicinal properties of kumquat are due to the high content of all kinds of substances and essential oils in its peel. The fruits effectively help in the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases, as well as for skin lesions with fungal infections (thanks to furacumarin).

The fruits of this plant have a calming effect, normalize digestion, and help overcome apathy and depression. Berries contain a large amount of potassium and calcium, vitamins A and C, and have an anti-alcohol effect.

Kumquat is an exotic plant that captivates with its beauty. It is successfully grown and propagated by gardeners at home. As practice shows, not in its natural habitat, but with proper care, this decorative tree even bears fruit. Therefore, growing kumquat at home is of interest to both flower growers and gardeners.

Botanical information about the plant

The homeland of the described fruit is China. It was from there that the kumquat was exported to the countries of America and Europe. Translated from Latin, its name means "golden orange". In Japan, the tree is usually called the modified word "Kinkan", which means "golden apple".

Dwarf plant, tree-like. Under natural conditions, it grows up to 4.5 m in height, at home - up to 1.65 m. Forms a strongly branched, dense, densely leafy crown of small, smooth, dark green leaf plates.

During flowering, the kumquat is covered with small white flowers with a pinkish tinge, located singly or collected in small inflorescences. Forms fruits similar in appearance to tangerines, but differing in size. The kumquat is much smaller than the usual oranges. One fruit reaches a maximum of 30-35 g. Externally, covered with a thin skin of a bright orange color, like citrus fruits.

The taste of kumquat is balanced thanks to the aromatic sweet skin and slightly sour pulp.

It blooms for 2-3 months, after which it enters a period of active fruiting. Fruits ripen towards the end of winter - closer to the beginning of spring. By this period, the tree takes on a more decorative look.

Features of planting and growing a plant

Kumquat, like all members of the citrus genus, grows from seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting. This plant is exotic in our region of residence, so it is not possible to buy it in every supermarket. This is what prompts florists to be interested in the issue of growing kumquat at home from a stone.

Let's clarify right away that this process is laborious and requires time and effort.

The stone, in order for it to germinate, is planted in a moist soil mixture consisting of sand and garden soil in a 1: 1 ratio. A prerequisite is maintaining optimal humidity in the environment where the seed is located, otherwise the plant will not be able to hatch. A seedling with 4 leaves usually appears after 6-8 weeks. Further cultivation of kumquat at home is reduced to the standard scheme - the plant is transplanted into another container, after a couple of months, it will get stronger.

Reproduction of a plant by grafting is also common. To do this, you will need mature seedlings with a stem thickness of at least 10 mm. Experts advise planting kumquat on grapefruit rootstock during the period of active juice movement. At this time, the sprout takes root within 4-6 weeks.

Reproduction by cuttings is carried out regardless of the season, and the procedure itself is no different from the reproduction technique of other fruit crops. Young cuttings are simply cut and kept in a special liquid growth-stimulating substance. After that, at an angle, they are planted in moist soil, waiting for root formation.

Secrets of successfully growing fortunella, or kumquat at home

Planting a houseplant does not begin with the procedure itself, but long before that - with the selection of a pot. The capacity is selected depending on the size of the tree you want to grow. Compact dwarf - in a small pot, but such a tree does not always bear fruit. By choosing a large pot, you can get not just an ornamental plant, but a full-fledged fruit-bearing tree. Regardless of the volume of the vessel, try to choose a container made from natural raw materials, mainly clay.

Before planting the kumquat, treat the pot with boiling water. Do not forget about a drainage layer at the bottom, which will prevent moisture stagnation during watering, which contributes to root rot.

What to plant in?

It is better to buy the substrate in a specialized center or store, and it is better to take a specific mixture - for citrus fruits. Why is it recommended to use a commercial substance for planting and growing kumquat from seeds at home? Because it already contains a number of essential ingredients, minerals and nutrients.

When cooking yourself, try to mix the ingredients in equal proportions. For this you will need:

• peat;
• fertile land;
• compost or humus;
• sand.

When planting, the bones are deepened 2 centimeters into the ground. The grown seedlings are planted so that the root collar is approximately at the same level with the soil surface.

How to water and fertilize

Kumquat is a moisture-loving plant, so keep the soil moist at all times. The plant requires regular and abundant watering with constant control of the level of moisture in the pot, as due to its excess fungal diseases and parasitic infestations can develop.

In the cold season, 1-2 waterings per week are enough for the plant, in spring and autumn - every other day, in summer - every day. Watering is carried out in the morning with warm, settled water, since the leaves of the kumquat can turn yellow and fall off from the cold liquid.

In summer, the tree needs constant spraying, especially if there is a dry microclimate in the house or apartment, and in winter it is enough to wipe the leaves with a damp sponge.

Be sure to cover the topsoil in the pot with mulch or moss so it will dry out less.

The rules for growing kumquat at home include spring fertilization during the active growing season. Mineral and organic fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are well accepted by the plant.

It will be advisable to use nitrogen complexes before the plant enters the flowering period. During the setting and fruiting, the kumquat needs potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. In the warm season (spring and summer), the tree is often fertilized, adding complexes 2-3 times a month, in the fall - 1-2 times a month. With the onset of a dormant period, feeding is canceled.

Kumquat responds well to both root and foliar feeding. When applying fertilizers, follow the recommended scheme for growing kumquat nagas at home:

1. Spray with nutrient sprays before the plant begins to bloom. Carrying out the procedure when the plant forms ovaries or fruits ripen on the tree, make sure that drops of the solution fall only on the foliage.
2. Apply top dressing in the morning or evening, when the sun is not beating so much, otherwise the plant will overheat and overheat.
3. Before root application of fertilizers, make sure that the soil is moistened, since, in contact with the fertilizing, the roots can get burned.

Pruning features

Growing a kumquat at home involves pruning the plant in the spring. During this period, the crown of the tree is formed. No more than three shoots are left on the main branches, and the rest are disposed of. The left branches are slightly shortened, thus stimulating the growth of young shoots.

How is a decorative mandarin transplanted

Transplantation by means of transshipment occurs systematically, every 2-3 years. Try not to disturb the earthen ball, otherwise there is a risk of plant death. The soil and drainage layer from the pot is thrown away, replacing with a new one.

Note that replanting should be done in early spring, before the plant is active in growth.

Top dressing and fertilization scheme

Fruiting cannot be achieved without regular feeding. The frequency of their introduction is determined by the following factors:

• age and condition of the kumquat tree;
• used soil for growing kumquat fruit at home;
• the volume of the pot.

If the container is small, top dressing is applied more often. With the onset of the active growth phase, the plant needs systematic feeding with a phosphate-potassium complex, which is recommended to be applied every ten days. During the dormant period of the plant, it is enough to do this once a month.

When growing a kumquat at home, caring for it consists of a number of rules, including fertilizing the plant, without which fruiting and normal development of the fruit cannot be achieved.

Do-it-yourself fertilizer

You can prepare a mixture for feeding the plant yourself at home. Complex fertilizer for kumquat consists of the following ingredients:

• water - 1 l;
• ammonium nitrate - 1/4 tsp;
• potassium chloride - 1/8 tsp;
• simple superphosphate - 1/2 tsp.

In addition, the plant responds well to the introduction of wood ash infusion.

What the tree is sick with

More than 50% of diseases affecting citrus plants are the cause of the disturbance of its growth and development. From the symptoms of damage by pests or bacteria, the following are distinguished:

• leaf spot;
• modification of the shape and color of the plates;
• paniculate shoots;
• drying out of the plant;
• the formation of growths.

Fungal and bacterial diseases, including anthracnose, wart, gommosis and many others, are successfully treated. Having identified a painful condition of the plant, remove all fruits or buds from the tree in order to save its strength and direct them to recovery.Then treat the kumquat with fungicides, and this process will not do with one treatment. Growing at home and caring for a kumquat during a plant illness requires diligent therapy to restore vitality.

It is important to remember that for prophylactic purposes and to prevent the development of fungal and bacterial diseases, it is necessary to treat the plant with a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid no more than 3 times during one period of plant growth.

How to treat kumquat trees

Trees infected with a virus and suffering from xyloporosis, tripez and other diseases cannot be completely cured. You can only contain the spread of the disease for a while or keep the plant in optimal condition for as long as possible.

Keeping a kumquat in an unfavorable climate, be prepared for the fact that the tree may suffer from aphids, spider mites, scale insects and other sucking pests, which can be eliminated only by using a number of special preparations.

Growing a kumquat at home is quite possible, the main thing is to provide it with proper care. As a result, you will get an amazingly beautiful, graceful tree that performs not only a decorative function, but also delights with tasty and healthy fruits.

These are all the secrets of growing a kumquat at home, adhering to which, you can turn the process of cultivating a plant into a procedure that is fun, not hassle.

The kumquat plant captivates with its exoticism. Growing and propagating this fruit is possible at home. Having planted it and provided proper care, you can not only grow a very decorative tree, as in the presented photos, but also enjoy the exquisite taste of its fruits.

General description of the plant

The homeland of the kumquat is China. From there, the plant was later introduced to America and Europe. Its name is translated as "golden orange". In Japan, another name for the fruit is common - Kinkan (golden apple).

Kumquat is a very beautiful plant with delicious fruits.

The plant is a small tree. At home, it grows up to 1.5 m, and in the wild - up to 4.5 m. The kumquat crown is highly branched, dense, densely leafy. The leaves are small, smooth, dark green. The kumquat blooms white with pink fragrant flowers. Flowers are located singly or in inflorescences. The fruits are somewhat reminiscent of a tangerine, only much smaller. Their weight does not exceed 30 g, the skin is thin, bright orange. The taste of kumquat fruit is balanced, thanks to the aromatic sweet skin and pulp with sourness.

2-3 months after flowering, the tree begins to bear fruit. The fruits ripen in late winter - early spring. During this period, the kumquat becomes more decorative, which can be seen in the presented photos.

Kumquat Nagami

Varieties and varieties of kumquat

The most common cultivation at home is the Nagami Kumquat. Outwardly, it is a very ornamental plant and is used in the design of bonsai gardens. Its crown is compact and covered with bright orange fruits during the fruiting period. There are garden forms of kumquat Nagami:

• Nordmann Nagami - seedless subspecies, outwardly similar to Nagami.
• Variegated - its distinctive feature is yellowish or creamy leaves. The fruits initially have longitudinal green stripes that disappear when ripe.

Variegated kumquat

• Kumquat Marumi (Marumi Kumquat) is distinguished by the presence of thorns on the branches. The size of a tree of this species is somewhat smaller. Fruits are golden orange when ripe, with small seeds. The plant is conditionally winter-hardy. In the southern regions, it can grow outdoors.

Kumquat Marumi

• Lesser known species of kumquat Meiva (Meiwa Kumquat) bestows fruits with the brightest taste. The tree is very decorative, dwarf, with a dense crown and small hard leaves.The fruits are relatively large, resembling lemon in appearance. The rind is golden, sometimes with shades of yellow.

Kumquat maiva

• The largest fruit boasts a variety Fukushi (aka Changshu, Lat. Fucushii Kumquat). The tree grows in height by a meter or a little more, while its crown is spreading, dense. Its leaves are larger than those of the rest of the genus. The fruits can be either oval or pear-shaped. The juicy flesh of dessert taste is surrounded by a thin, very sweet orange peel.

Fukushi kumquat

• Kumquat Hongkong (Hong Kong Kumquat) is distinguished by dry fruits, the size of a pea. The fruit of this kumquat is practically not eaten. Its branches have numerous long thorny thorns.

Kumquat hong kong

• There is another type of kumquat that is not grown at home - Malay (MalayanKumquat). At home, it is grown as green hedges. It is distinguished by its impressive size and large golden fruits.

In addition to the kumquat varieties, there are a number of interspecific hybrids:

• calamondin - a hybrid obtained by crossing a kumquat with a tangerine;
• limequat - a hybrid of kumquat with lime;
• oranjevat is a hybrid of kumquat with orange.

Planting and caring for kumquats

The growth period of the kumquat lasts 1-2 months, starting in April. The annual growth is up to 10 cm. A young plant gives two growths per year, which distinguishes the kumquat from other citrus fruits. The tree blooms in the middle of summer for a week. Flowering can occur again after 2-3 weeks. At home, the flowering of the tree needs to be normalized. By the end of winter, exotic fruits ripen on the kumquat.

With proper care, the tree will bear fruit in winter.

Location. Kumquat needs to be given the sunniest spot in the house. In the summer - create conditions for diffused lighting, you can take it out to the street or balcony. In winter - as much direct sunlight and, if possible, cool air.

Attention! In order for the kumquat to have a miniature size, they take a small container for planting. For the full development of the tree, volumetric pots are used.

The soil. For planting kumquat, a soil mixture of sod and garden soil, leaf humus and river sand is used.

Water the kumquat abundantly

Watering. Kumquat loves watering very much. They should be abundant and regular, without stagnant moisture. In the summer heat and the period when central heating is on, the plant needs frequent spraying and wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. With excessively dry air, the tree begins to ache and shed its foliage. It will also be useful to "take a shower" with a kumquat, imitating natural rain.

Attention! Watering should be done only with warm water. Otherwise, the tree will shed its foliage.

Pruning... Spring is the period of kumquat crown formation. For this, 2-3 shoots are left on the main branches, the rest are removed. The left shoots are slightly shortened, thereby stimulating the growth of young shoots.

Transfer. Once every two to three years, the plant needs a transplant. They do this by transshipment so as not to disturb the earthen lump. The soil and drainage layer in the pot must be changed to new ones.

Attention! The transplant is carried out in early spring before the start of growth.

Top dressing and fertilization

Without regular feeding, the kumquat will not bear fruit. The frequency of fertilization depends on many factors:

• the age of the tree and its condition;
• used for growing soil;
• the size of the pot.

So, if the pot for the kumquat is small, fertilizing should be done more often.

During the growth period, kumquats are fed every ten days with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. During the rest period, the amount of dressings is reduced to once a month.

Fertilizers are also essential for fruiting and normal plant development.

The optimal composition of the complex fertilizer (per 1 liter of water):

• ammonium nitrate - 1/4 teaspoon;
• potassium chloride - 1/8 teaspoon;
• simple superphosphate - 1/2 teaspoon.

Kumquat is also responsive to infusion of wood ash.

Diseases and pests

Kumquat is affected by a variety of citrus diseases. Trouble symptoms can include:

• spots on the leaves;
• change in the shape and color of leaves;
• paniculate shoots;
• drying out of the tree;
• the formation of growths.

Spotting on kumquat leaves

Fungal and bacterial diseases (anthracnose, wart, gommosis, etc.) can be cured. If there are buds or fruits on the plant, they must be removed to save the strength of the kumquat. Further, repeated treatment with fungicides is carried out. During this period, it is important to properly care for the tree, restoring its vitality.

Advice. To prevent the development of fungal and bacterial diseases, kumquat can be treated with 1% Bordeaux mixture solution 2-3 times during the growth period.

A tree infected with a virus (xyloporosis, trispeza, etc.) cannot be cured.

In an unfavorable indoor climate, kumquats are attacked by aphids, spider mites, scale insects and other sucking pests, which are controlled with special preparations.

Breeding kumquat

There are several ways to propagate a kumquat:

• seeds;
• cuttings;
• rooting of cuttings;
• inoculations on rootstocks.

Grown from seeds, young plants do not retain their maternal qualities, they begin to bear fruit late. This method is mainly used by breeders for breeding new varieties and growing rootstocks.

Kumquat seedling

At home, propagation by cuttings is most acceptable. Cuttings are cut in the spring, picking up short young shoots of the last year on a fruiting kumquat. The leaves are cut in half. Cuttings are rooted in wet sand, covering the container with glass or film. An impromptu greenhouse is opened from time to time to ventilate the seedlings.

Advice. For quick rooting of cuttings, the planting material can be treated with any growth stimulant.

Rooted cuttings are planted in pots with soil. Further care of the seedling is carried out as for an adult plant.

It is quite possible to grow a kumquat at home, providing it with proper care. As a result, you will receive not only an elegant decorative tree, but also tasty, healthy fruits.

Growing kumquat: video

How to grow a kumquat: photo

Many amateur flower growers want their green pets not only to be pleasing to the eye, but also to bring practical benefits, for example, to produce edible fruits. One of these fruiting plants, which have recently become quite widespread - kumquat: one of the few home-grown citrus fruits.

Kumquat has many names:

• fortunella - the name comes from the genus of the plant,
• kinkan - this is what the kumquat is called in Japan,
• Chinese mandarin, golden apple - popular names for kumquat,

and belongs to the genus Fortunella or Citrus of the Rutaceae family.

In the wild, kumquat is found in southeastern and southern China, and the fruit is grown commercially throughout China, Hong Kong, Japan and virtually all other countries in East Asia.

In its natural environment, kumquat is a tree-like shrub with a dense ball-shaped crown, reaching up to 4 meters in height. When grown at home, the kumquat looks like a small tree with a dense crown, its maximum height is 1.5 meters. Kumquat leaves are compact (about 5 cm in length), deep green in color, flowers are medium-sized, white or cream in color, with a characteristic citrus scent. The fruits, the main value for which Fortunella is grown, are small (about 5 cm), oval, bright orange. The pulp of the fruit is edible, juicy, with a bright citrus taste. The rind of the kumquat is also edible and has a pleasant sweet taste.

Kumquat species suitable for home cultivation

Almost all types of Chinese mandarin, cultivated outdoors, are suitable for home cultivation, but flower growers give special preference to several varieties:

Kumquat Nagami (Nagami Kumquat) is the most common cultivar. The fruits are sweet, in size and shape reminiscent of an olive tree, and are eaten with the peel. There are several recently developed subspecies:

• Nordmann (Nordmann Seedless Nagami Kumquat) - seedless form of kumquat,
• Variegatum (Variegatum) - a subspecies with decorative stripes on fruits that disappear after ripening

The Nagami variety is used not only for fruit production, but also as a base for bonsai.

K. Nagami

Kumquat Marumi or kumquat japonica (Marumi Kumquat, Japonica Kumquat) is a small shrub with short thorns on the branches. The oval, tangerine-like golden orange fruits have a refined sweet taste. Kumquat Marumi is a fairly frost-resistant variety, therefore, in the southern regions of Russia it can be grown even in the open field.

K. Marumi

Kumquat Meiwa (Meiwa Kumquat) gives its owner yellow-orange, lemon-like fruits with a pleasant taste. The shrub itself is low, with a dense crown and small oval leaves. Even in the absence of fruits, the kumquat Meiva is quite capable of decorating the interior.

K. Meiva

Hong kong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) - unlike previous varieties, the fruits of this kumquat are not edible, and most of the fruit is occupied by seeds. The Hong Kong kumquat is cultivated exclusively as an ornamental plant.

Malay kumquat (Fortunella polyandra), like the Hong Kong kumquat, is grown only as a green interior decoration. In the countries of Southeast Asia, it is used as a hedge.

Kumquat Fukushi (Fortunella obovata), in contrast to the Malay and Hong Kong kumquats, is completely edible, and its fruits have a delicate sweet taste.

K. Fukushi

In addition to various varieties of fortunella, all kinds of hybrids of kumquat with some citrus fruits can also be cultivated as indoor plants: limequat (lime + kumquat), orangequat (orange + kumquat), lemonquat (lemon + kumquat), calamondin (mandarin + kumquat) and many other nagami ...

How to grow a kumquat at home

We note right away that growing a kumquat at home is not at all an easy task. All citrus fruits, and kumquat in particular, are quite capricious and require care and increased attention from the grower. But the return on them is great: the plants are not only beautiful, but also fertile, and who does not want to try a tropical fruit grown with his own hands. Therefore, despite all the difficulties, kumquat can and should be grown at home, observing several rules for maintaining and caring for a delicate plant.

Temperature and lighting

In nature, kinkan grows in southern countries, in which summers are hot and sunny, and winters are warm enough (about 10-15 ° C), therefore, it is necessary to create similar temperature conditions with room content of citrus. The optimum temperature for the summer period is about 25-28 ° C, in winter the plant will feel comfortable at 10-12 ° C. Extremes (extreme heat or, conversely, a decrease in temperature) must be excluded. In summer, the container with kumquat can be taken out into the open air.

In winter, for the subsequent successful fruiting, it is recommended to arrange a dormant period for the kumquat. To do this, citrus must be placed in the coolest (but not coldest!) Place of the apartment, for example, a loggia, and watering must be reduced. This mode promotes further flowering and fruit emergence on the kumquat.

Advice from flower growers: the warmer the kumquat wintering site, the more light the plant needs. If the kumquat is located in a warm, poorly lit place in winter, leaf fall is likely to begin. In the future, such a plant will be difficult to reanimate.

Lighting is also essential for kinkan cultivation, especially during cold winters. In summer, the lighting should be diffused, without direct sunlight. In winter, on the contrary, it is recommended to provide the citrus with intense natural light, and in its absence - to additionally highlight the plant using a phytolamp.

Watering and humidity

The frequency of watering kumquat directly depends on the season: on hot days, in summer, citrus should be watered more often, and in winter, on the contrary, watering should be reduced. The need for watering is determined by the state of the earthen clod: if the soil has dried by about 4-5 cm, it is time for watering. Both excess and lack of moisture are equally harmful to kumquat. A flooded plant can get sick with root rot, and completely dry soil will lead to the death of fortunella. Excess water that appears in the pan after watering should be drained after thirty minutes.

For watering kumquat, you need to use only filtered or settled water at room temperature.

Plants from the subtropics, including kinkan, need humid air all year round. Spraying the kumquat from a spray bottle or placing a container of water next to the bowl will help to increase the air humidity. Adults, healthy fortunella sometimes benefit from water procedures: bathing in the shower and wiping the leaves with a damp sponge.

Transplant, soil, top dressing

The frequency of transplanting kumquat directly depends on the age of the plant. Young (0-1 years old) kinkans are transplanted 2 times a year, middle-aged kumquats (2-4 years) - 1 time per year, adult plants no more than 1 time in 1-3 years. The kumquat itself will help to determine the need for transplantation: if roots stick out from the drainage hole, the plant needs to be moved to a new bowl.

It is categorically not recommended to deepen the kumquat more than before transplanting - this can make the citrus sick and die.

The optimal transplant, least of all traumatic for the kumquat is transshipment. In this case, all the old soil, together with the root system, is preserved and transferred to a large container, and new fresh soil is poured and tamped into free places.

If, during the inspection of the root ball during transplantation, roots affected by rot are found, the transshipment method will not work. In this case, the decayed parts of the roots must be removed, the cuts must be treated with a root root and, completely replacing the substrate, the plant must be planted.

When choosing a pot for transplanting, do not buy too large. The new container should be only 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. Too much earthen coma can cause root rot and lack of fruit on the kumquat.

The soil, most suitable for planting kumquat, should be slightly acidic, sufficiently loose (air and moisture permeable) and nutritious. For self-preparation of the soil, you need to take two parts of sod land, one part of leafy land and half of sand. From ready-made mixtures, special substrates for citrus are suitable: Garden of Miracles, Vermion, Terra Vita with the addition of sand, perlite, chopped pine bark.

Pay attention to the amount of peat in the finished soil mixture. Too much peat negatively affects the growth and development of the kumquat.

Do not forget about drainage: a sufficiently high layer (about a quarter of the total volume of the pot) will ensure the unhindered drainage of excess liquid and the flow of air to the roots of fortunella.

What fertilizers to use for feeding your home kumquat depends on the time of year and the phase of plant development. So, for example, during the period of kinkan growth, nitrogen fertilizers are best suited, during the flowering period - phosphorus and potash fertilizers, during preparation for wintering - potash fertilizers. There are also special fertilizers for citrus fruits - Reakom Mikom-Citrus, Garden of Miracles Lemon, Fasco for citrus fruits, Cytovit, the composition of which must be carefully studied before use.

There are situations when feeding a kumquat is not only ineffective, but even harmful:

• citrus disease, weakened plant,
• rooting cuttings,
• adaptation to new conditions after purchase,
• transplanting into new soil,
• dormant period (wintering), especially at low temperatures

Reproduction

Kumquat, like most homemade citrus fruits, reproduces in several ways:

• bone
• cuttings
• inoculation
• ringing shoots

Bone propagation is a method popular with novice florists. Of course, it is quite possible to grow a kumquat from a stone, but it must be borne in mind that the kinkan obtained in this way will grow for a very long time, and flowering and fruiting will occur only in 10-15 years.

In order to grow a kumquat from a stone, you need to take several fresh (not dry!) ​​Seeds, soak them in a root solution for several days and plant them in a universal soil. After the seeds sprout and several leaves appear on each seedling, they can be opened, that is, planted in separate pots. For picking, it is better to take the largest and healthiest seedlings. Further maintenance and care are the same as for an adult plant.

Propagation by cuttings is the best way to guarantee the early development and fruiting of the kumquat.

For grafting, a branch about 10 cm long with several small leaves is chosen and cut obliquely from above and below (the lower cut is immediately after the lower bud, the upper one is 5 mm above the uppermost bud). The lower cut is powdered with root or crushed coal, after which the cutting is planted: a layer of drainage and a universal soil are poured into a bowl, in the middle of which, in a prepared depression, sand is poured. The cutting is planted in the sand, and in the future the roots will grow directly into the ground. The planted stalk is covered with a glass jar and watered regularly. After the appearance of new shoots, the jar can be gradually removed for a few minutes a day, and then completely removed.

Grafting and banding shoots are quite complex and time-consuming methods of kumquat propagation, suitable only for experienced flower growers.

Fruiting kumquat

The main question that worries kumquat growers is how to get citrus to bear fruit.

In addition to general recommendations for growing Fortunella indoors. There are some special tricks for making delicious homemade fruits.

• For early fruiting, it is necessary to take kumquats grown from cuttings. In this case, the appearance of the first fruits is possible as early as 5-6 years. If the kumquat has grown from the seed, the appearance of the fruit may be significantly delayed or not at all.
• It is important to regulate the flowering of the kumquat: a large number of flowers weakens the plant and prevents quality ovaries from being produced.
• As with flowers, excess ovaries must also be removed. It is better to leave one large and healthy ovary than several weakened ones. The optimal number of ovaries is one per 10-15 leaves.
• Kumquat is considered a capricious plant that is difficult to grow, which is why experienced growers often graft it on lemon, orange or tripolyate. In this case, fortunella will grow and bear fruit better.
• And finally, the last point is patience. Citrus fruits in general, and kumquats in particular, are not easy to keep in apartments, and their fruiting is the aerobatics of a florist. But with a certain amount of patience and perseverance, it is quite possible to enjoy your own tropical fruit.

Diseases, pests and growing problems

The main pests of kumquat are spider mites and scale insects.

The reason for the appearance of a spider mite is excessively dry indoor air. If the plant is slightly infested, spraying with plain water will help. In the case when the spider mite colony has grown, modern insecticides will come to the rescue.

Damage to the scabbard occurs due to the incorrect content of the kumquat. To combat this pest, mechanical methods are used (collecting scale insects from leaves) and processing with Aktara.

Unfortunately, kumquat is susceptible to many diseases, many of which only appear on citrus plants - malseco, gommosis, xylopsoriasis, and so on. However, the kumquat does not bypass the usual plant diseases - chlorosis, root rot, anthracnose and others.In order to cure kumquat, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the disease and determine the nature of its origin (viruses, bacteria, fungi). And the best prevention of all diseases of the kumquat will be the correct and timely care of the plant.

Let's consider some of the problems that arise when growing kumquat in more detail.

Kumquat is losing leaves:

• Most likely, the plant overwintered in a too warm place; a dormant period with a decrease in temperature was not organized. What to do: place the kumquat in a bright and cool place during the cold season, reduce watering, that is, organize the correct wintering.
• Leaf fall is observed some time after the purchase of the plant. This is an inevitable process associated with a change in the conditions of the kumquat. What to do: remove all fruits, ovaries and buds; examine the roots for rot (if necessary, rinse the soil), treat the kumquat with growth biostimulants (Epin, Athlete, Amulet), place the crown of the tree in a plastic bag for 10-14 days.

The newly emerging kumquat leaves stretch out. The likely reason is the change in the lighting condition of the kinkan after the purchase. What to do: if the leaves do not fall, nothing needs to be done; in the future, the plant will automatically adjust the size of the leaf.

Yellow spots on kumquat leaves, drying tip of the leaf. The kinkan is most likely overfed with fertilizer, as these symptoms indicate a chemical burn. What to do: For a while, completely exclude all feeding and, if possible, flush the soil.

The ovaries of the kumquat are scattered. It's OK. this is a natural process. The plant itself regulates the number of ovaries, as a result, only the healthiest and most viable ones remain.

Kumquat: benefits and harms

The benefits of kumquat are obvious - this is the exquisite taste of the fruit, and the beauty of the tree, and the ability to help with certain diseases. And, if everything is clear with the decorative and taste qualities of the plant, then it is worth talking about its medicinal properties in more detail:

1. Kumquat is used in the prevention and treatment of colds;
2. It is widely used during the diet as a source of essential vitamins and minerals;
3. Large amounts of fiber and pectin stimulate intestinal motility;
4. Helps with fungal diseases;
5. It removes harmful substances and excess fluid from the body.

But, as you know, there is a fly in the ointment in every barrel of honey. The same can be said about kumquat: unfortunately, fortunella is not useful for everyone. Kumquat should not be consumed in the following cases:

1. Allergy to citrus fruits;
2. Increased acidity of the stomach;
3. Kidney disease;
4. Pregnancy and lactation.

Well, in general, kumquat is a wonderful plant that can give its owner magnificent and very useful fruits.

***

And finally, a recipe using kumquat.

Kumquat jam

You will need: 1 kg of kumquats, 1 kg of sugar, juice from two oranges and lemons.

Preparation: Cut the kumquats in half, remove the seeds. Cover the prepared fruits with sugar and pour over the juice, leave for 2-4 hours. Boil the resulting mass over low heat for half an hour, cool and repeat the procedure. Arrange the finished jam in sterilized jars.