Nagami Kumquat for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting instructions

Nagami kumquat trees thrive when planted in full sun, but they will also tolerate partial shade throughout the day. In addition, they enjoy a high-humidity environment and may need to be misted daily or watered more frequently if planted in dry areas. When you’ve found your planting site, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the tree upright in the hole and backfill with soil. Tamp the soil down gently and give the planting site a thorough watering, adding more soil if settling occurs.

Watering and nutrients

Keep your newly-planted tree well watered for the first few weeks as it establishes itself. Mature Nagami kumquat trees will not tolerate over-watering or poorly-draining soil. Whenever you water your trees, give them a long drink that penetrates into the root system. When the top two inches of soil become dry, your tree is ready for another deep watering. For faster tree growth and increased fruit production, apply a citrus fertilizer a few times per year, following the product-specific directions.

Pollination

Nagami kumquat trees are self-fertile and will produce fruit on their own. However, like most fruiting plants, adding more trees in the area will greatly increase fruit production. The trees will usually begin to flower in July and August, producing an abundance of five-petaled, fragrant white flowers with yellow stamen. The bloom season may differ and depends on climate and region. Bees are attracted to the citrus-scented nectar found in kumquat blossoms.

Pruning

Pruning your Nagami kumquat trees is recommended to promote their overall health. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears and make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, being careful to avoid the tree’s thorns. When removing branches, choose those that are dead, dying, or diseased. If the foliage has become dense, remove some of the inside branches to promote airflow and allow the sun to permeate throughout. Remove suckers (stems or growths emerging from the root system) when you see them, as they are a waste of the tree’s valuable energy.

Pests and diseases

Nagami kumquat trees are intolerant of wet feet and may develop root rot. Adding excessive mulch around the trees can also promote the development of this fungal disease. Root rot can spread between trees, so you may need to remove an infected tree. Aphids and similar small insect pests may show up on kumquat trees, but they do not usually pose a threat. A heavy infestation of aphids may lead to black soot mold, which can hinder photosynthesis. If an infestation gets out of control, lady beetles or insecticidal soaps can be used as effective remedies.

Harvesting

Because of the bountiful harvests that the trees provide, kumquats have long been a symbol of prosperity throughout the world. Depending on the region, Nagami kumquats will usually ripen around December or January. Immature fruits are hard and green, while the ripe fruits are bright orange, tender, and juicy. They grow to the size of large grapes, and look like a miniature orange. Use small pruners or a knife to remove ripe fruits from the tree. Kumquats can be enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few weeks.

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