Kumquat – Nagami

Plant family: Rutaceae

Plant origin: China, Eastern Asia

Fruit description: Nagami Kumquats are oval, dark orange, smooth-skinned aromatic fruit each about 20 mm long. Fruit is produced on last year’s growth.

Flowers: Kumquat flowers are sweetly-perfumed and white, they blossom in late Spring.

Growing conditions: The Kumquat is the smallest of the citrus trees. The tree grows slowly to about 2 metres high. It is a decorative plant, especially when it has fruit on it. The tree is evergreen. The leaves are smaller than those of other citrus species, about 70mm long and 35 mm wide. Kumquat trees prefer a warm to hot climate and plenty of rain. They can tolerate light frost. The soil should be well dug prior to planting and should be well-drained. The tree should be protected from strong wind. Remove grass and weeds from around the tree. Mulch the tree well but as with all citrus trees, do not let the mulch touch the stem of the tree as it causes rot. Prune the tree lightly only to maintain shape and strength. Feed the tree with citrus food in Summer and late in Winter. Feed plants in pots more often.

Uses: Nagami Kumquats make excellent marmalade and preserves. You can eat the fruit fresh as the rind is sweet, although the flesh is slightly sour. They are also delicious preserved in brandy or syrup and eaten as a dessert with custard or ice-cream. Drink the flavoured brandy as a liqueur. Kumquat juice can be fermented and distilled into a liqueur. The fruit may be candied and used in desserts. In some Asian countries, the fruit is preserved with salt and used to flavour savoury dishes. The attractive fruit and leaves can be used in floral arrangements. Kumquat trees make excellent hedges, or tub plants decorating inside or outside a house or a balcony, in a standard shape or any attractive shape. They can be used as attractive bonsai specimens.

Medicinal uses:

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating

Harvest time Winter and Spring.

Plant relatives Related to other citrus species including Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, Tangelo, Tangerine, Kumquat, Finger Lime, Kaffir Lime, Grapefruit, Buddha’s Hand Citron, Calamondin, Variegated Calamondin, Pummelo

Special features: To Chinese and Vietnamese people, these trees are considered lucky and may be given as a present, especially around Chinese New Year. Calamondins are used as pot plants at front entrances for good fortune in Feng Shui.

Grown by method: Grafted Pot size: 6 litre

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 2 metres high by 1.5 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 2 metres high by 2 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 6 litre