Citrus 'Kumquat': Centennial Variegated
Citrus japonica, also known as Kumquat, is a small evergreen tree that makes an excellent ornamental addition to your landscape and rewards the grower with its tiny, tangy fruits. Kumquats are the smallest citrus fruits, having a thin, sweet peel and tart flesh. You can eat kumquats just like you’d eat grapes; there’s no need to peel them! The kumquat tastes best when gently rolled between the fingers before eaten to release the flavors. The word “kumquat” combines the Chinese words gam (meaning gold) and gwat (meaning tangerine).
The tree grows to a maximum height of 15 feet and is self pollinating. Plants appear similar to most citrus trees, with spear-shaped leaves and small white flowers, but on a smaller scale. ‘Centennial’ variegated variety strikes visual interest with variegated leaves and fruits. The trees are cold hardy to 10°F.
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Available in 8", 12", 17" STDKumquat Trees require full sun (6+ hours) for maximum fruit production, although it will grow in partial shade.
Thoroughly watering your new tree is important for establishment. To ensure that your irrigation doesn’t run off, apply mulch around the base of the tree. The mulch should be two to three inches deep and a foot away from the base of the tree. If you have a hose available, use it to run water into the berm for 10 to 15 minutes twice per week (filling the basin) for the first month. Irrigation is less crucial after the first month, but water should still be supplied if new growth is wilting by the afternoon.
As your tree develops, check it regularly to see if there are any shoots from the base. These are called “suckers” and need to be removed because they will not produce good fruit and waste the tree’s resources. The canopy should not be pruned unless absolutely necessary (and sparingly) because it will harm fruit production. For pruning projects we recommend Bond Drop Forged Pruner.
Start thinking about fertilization three weeks after planting, or when new growth is beginning. Make sure the fertilizer covers the entire soil surface above the root ball, and should be applied every six weeks from February through October. We recommend Espoma Citrus Tone.
Proper nutrition is important to the health of your plant and its longevity. To ensure your plant is getting the appropriate nutrition, use a fertilizer labelled for this tree type and apply according to the label.
