Have you tried the kumquat yet? What is this fruit? Sweet delicious citrus will surely surprise you with its taste and aroma. I want to tell you about it, as well as about how kumquat is useful, where it comes from, how to grow a seed tree at home.
My sister always treats me with all the outlandish fruits when she comes to visit from the Black Sea coast. She also introduced me to kumquat, bringing dried fruits. For a long time I could not understand what kind of fruit it was, what it looked like. The taste of citrus, sweet, with a slight bitterness. I didn’t immediately realize that I was eating it along with the peel, since it didn’t look like it was there at all. But I ate the present with lightning speed, as much as I liked it.
What is kumquat
In the photo above, the same fruit is fresh, in syrup and dried. What fruit does it most resemble? At first glance, it resembles a small orange (outwardly), but when you try it, you will discover completely new flavors. Its fruits are very small, their length is approximately 5-6 cm, and the diameter — no more than 3 cm.
If we compare all the citrus fruits known to us, then according to taste data, it is most similar to sweet tangerine. In China, it is called the "golden orange" not only because of its external resemblance, but also because of the benefits it brings to our body.
Kumquat is low in calories, so you can eat it fresh without fear for your figure, 70 kcal per 100 g of product is an indicator of the calorie content of fresh citrus fruits. However, you should be aware that dried or dried fruits are more high in calories, in a 100 g bag, which are usually sold in stores, there are approximately 280 kcal.
Another interest Ask associated with its names. This representative of the rue family has two more names that are quite widely used in colloquial speech and in relevant thematic forums. One of them is fortunella, and the other is kinkan. In China, in the homeland of the plant, it is often called kumquat, the Japanese call it kinkan. He is called Fortunella because of his belonging to independent family, while citrus is the generic name for this crop.
Kumquat in vivo Fortunella fruit is 80% water, contains potassium - it is the most in the composition of the fruit, it also contains a lot of carbohydrates and organic components (monosaccharides). Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and sodium are also on the list of minerals present in this little sunny fruit. Vitamin C in kumquat is the most (almost 50%), slightly less vitamin A, E, B3 and B5, R.
The list of useful components can be continued for a long time: antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids (unsaturated and saturated, polyunsaturated), lutein, carotene, pectin. This citrus has one notable feature worthy of attention. — wherever it grows, it will not “pull” nitrates from the soil, respectively, it will not accumulate them in the peel or pulp.
By the way, about the peel - it is incredibly useful, along with the pulp of the fruit.
At home, you can grow a variety of plants, including rare and exotic ones. Such crops require special care and special growing conditions. But with the right approach and desire, nothing is impossible. So at home you can grow even such a rare and amazing plant, How . This culture came to us from the south of China, it is also often called kinkan. Let's talk about how to grow a kumquat, we will consider growing at home from a bone.
Kumquat is an evergreen citrus with amazing fruits of yellow-orange coloring. If a kumquat bone fell into your hands, and you were eager to grow such a plant at home, be patient. Remember that this process will require a lot of effort and time.
How to grow a kumquat from a seed?
Kumquat seeds must be planted in pots filled with soil mixture. Shoots may appear in a month and a half, but sometimes this process takes much longer - up to about two months.
In order to achieve normal seed germination, get them from fresh, well-ripened and not injured fruits. Carefully remove the seeds from the pulp, then rinse and dry them.
Immediately before sowing, soak the seeds in a special solution that will help disinfect them and stimulate germination. Such a tool can be purchased at any specialized store. To germinate the seeds, prepare small pots, whose diameter is about seven to eight centimeters. Lay a drainage layer at the bottom (pebbles, expanded clay, etc.), then fill the prepared container with soil mixture. You can also make it up from two parts of soddy land, one part of fertile garden soil, one part of light leaf humus and half of a medium-grained sand. You can also combine steamed garden soil with ordinary river sand.
When growing citrus fruits, remember that only a low tree can grow in a small pot. Place the kumquat seeds in a slightly compacted and at the same time moistened soil, sprinkle them with earth on top. Cover the crops with polyethylene or glass and send to a lighted and fairly warm place. Do not forget to periodically moisten the soil as it dries.
After the first shoots appear, remove the glass or polyethylene. Wait for the formation of a pair of leaves on the seedlings, then plant the plants separately.
How to care for a kumquat?
This plant is an unpretentious tree, but taking care of it, you need to follow a few basic recommendations. In the summer, provide the tree with enough sun. The plant needs a supply of scattered sun rays. In the cold, kumquats need maximum natural light in parallel with access to direct sunlight. Additional lighting will also help.
This variety of citrus fruits feels great at temperatures from twenty-five to thirty degrees in the summer, while in winter the temperature should be reduced to fifteen or eighteen degrees. In the warm season, gardeners are advised to take the flower pot to the balcony or garden.
Kumquat is considered a very moisture-loving plant. It should be systematically sprayed with ordinary clean water. Isolate the plant pot from batteries during the heating season central heating.
Systematic and sufficient watering is the main condition for the full growth of kumquat. In the spring, the tree needs to be watered at intervals of one day, in the summer it is worth moistening it every day. In winter, it is worth watering as needed - once or twice a week. It is recommended to use water room temperature, because if it is cold, the plant will be able to shed its leaves.
This variety of citrus fruits must be systematically fed. It is best to carry out this manipulation twice a month (or even better three times) at the stage of active vegetation. Usually, experts advise feeding kumquats from March to September. In the rest of the year, such feeding should be reduced to once a month.
For feeding it is worth using an aqueous solution mineral fertilizers: in a liter of water, dilute a couple of grams of ammonium nitrate, one or two grams of potassium salt (or potassium chloride), and another four to six grams of simple superphosphate.
It is worth transplanting a kumquat once every two to three years, no more often. It is best to carry out such a manipulation in early March, resorting to the transshipment method. In this case, you need to carefully monitor that the roots of the plant remain intact. When transplanting, it is extremely important to place a new drain on the bottom of the pot. The transplanted plant must be thoroughly watered and placed in a rather warm and at the same time semi-dark place for two weeks. At this stage, the kumquat needs a daily spraying of the crown.
To form a tree with a beautiful, compact and dense crown, you need to pinch young shoots every spring. And such a plant can give fruits only ten years after planting with a bone.
Kumquat is a rather rare exotic plant that can be grown on your windowsill.
The compact and low Kumquat tree is very popular with flower growers all over the world. The plant belongs to citrus, comes from China and has several names. At home, it is called "golden orange", in Japan, kinkan or "golden apple".
In Europe, citrus became widespread after 1846, when the famous English botanist, traveler and collector Robert Fortune brought a small tree from China to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In his honor, a new genus of citrus fruits, Fortunella, was named, to which the plant belongs.
Some of the most popular varieties that are often found at home are Kumquat Nagami (Nagami Kumquat) and Rotondo, as well as the Fukushi variety with large, juicy and delicious fruits and the Hong Kong kumquat with inedible and very small fruits.
In cultural floriculture, you can find natural and artificial citrus hybrids kinkan and one of them is the well-known Calamondin, obtained by crossing with mandarin.
At home, the kumquat grows up to one and a half meters. The plant has a dense branched crown and small dark green shiny leaves. The stems are usually devoid of thorns or they are not very large.
The period of fragrant flowering falls on July-August. As a rule, flowering lasts 5-7 days, but there are also re-blooming specimens on which flowers bloom again after 2-3 weeks. After flowering, fruits are tied on the tree, which ripen in December-January.
If the plant is purchased for edible fruit, then flowering must be controlled, as a large number of flowers weakens the tree and reduces the number of quality ovaries.
In turn, if there are a lot of ovaries, then they also need to be cut in order to get beautiful full-fledged fruits. Kumquat fruits are small, golden yellow or orange, oval or pear shaped, rich in valuable nutrients.
Features of care
Kumquat, like all citrus fruits, is a fairly difficult crop to grow. For good growth and flowering he needs to create comfortable conditions. But the result of increased care and attention will be a magnificent exotic tree that will delight you with tropical fruits.
Young plants have two growth periods, and adults have one. It begins in late April or early May and lasts approximately 30-50 days. During this time, the growth of the tree is 6-10 cm.
Lighting
Citrus is a sun-loving crop, so the optimal location is the south side. However, in the summer, the kinkan needs to create conditions for bright diffused lighting.
But in winter, direct sunlight is needed, and with a lack of lighting, it is advisable to use a fitolamp. The warmer the room, the more light the plant needs and vice versa.
How to water kumquat at home
In the spring and summer, golden orange requires abundant watering. warm water, on cold water the plant reacts by shedding its leaves. The soil should always be slightly damp, but not wet, so be sure to pour out excess water in the pan after 30 minutes.
In winter, limit watering, but do not let the earthy coma dry out. You can determine the time of the procedure by the soil - upper layer should dry 4 cm, this is about once a week. Water with soft settled or artesian water.
Tropical tree needs high humidity air, especially high temperatures Oh. You can increase the humidity using a spray bottle or a bowl filled with water with wet expanded clay, which is placed next to the pot. mature plant responds gratefully to warm shower and wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
Temperature regime
The optimum summer temperature is 25-30 ̊С. In winter, it must be lowered to 12-16 ̊С. A cool dormant period promotes the formation of flower buds and abundant fruiting in the next season. In the absence of a cool period, the kumquat reacts by losing foliage in the future.
A tree in warm weather is useful to take out on open air, but at the same time protect it from drafts, too high temperatures during the day and from hypothermia at night. Sudden changes in temperature adversely affect the plant, weakening it, and can lead to death.
Transfer
Young specimens need to be transplanted 2 times a year in spring and at the end of summer after flowering. Middle-aged trees are transplanted every 1-2 years, but an adult kumquat is transplanted no more than once every 2-3 years. The need for transplantation is evidenced by the roots that peek out of the drainage holes.
The procedure is carried out at the end of February or at the beginning of March by transshipment into a slightly larger pot (by 2-3 cm), at the bottom of which a high drainage layer of expanded clay is laid out, about a quarter of the volume of the pot. The trunk of the tree is deepened to the same level, not higher! Otherwise, citrus can get sick and even die.
The space around the earthen coma is covered with new soil and tamped down. After the procedure, the plant is well watered for several days and placed in a warm place with diffused light. During this period, it is also useful to spray the crown of the tree with warm water every day.
For transplanting, use a universal garden soil with the addition of sand (perlite) and pieces of pine bark in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.
top dressing
There are several factors to consider when applying fertilizers. IN different time kinkan needs various types nutrients and different frequency of application.
From March to September, top dressing is applied once every two weeks, from mid-March once every one to two months is enough. During the period of growing green mass, fertilizing with a large amount of nitrogen is used; in the budding and flowering phase, phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is used. In autumn, only potassium is added.
Sick and weakened plants, immediately after transplantation and during a winter drop in temperature, are not fed, as the procedure will either be ineffective or damage the citrus.
reproduction
You can grow a kumquat at home from a seed, using cuttings, banding or grafting shoots. The last two methods are quite laborious and are suitable for experienced flower growers.
Fresh seeds are sown in a pot with a mixture of soil with the addition of coarse sand. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in water with the addition of a hormone for better rooting. The seed pot is covered with a film to create greenhouse conditions. The soil should be moderately moist at all times, but not wet.
Growing kumquat from the bone The first sprouts appear after a month, and sometimes after 2 months. At the stage of 4-5 leaves, they dive and plant them in separate pots with a part of an earthy coma, since the roots are fragile and the seedlings painfully endure transplantation. When the tree grows a little, then pinch the top.
Kumquat grown from seed does not retain varietal characteristics mother plant and blooms only after 10-15 years. A more productive method that guarantees fruiting is propagation of kumquat by cuttings. Best time for the procedure - April.
The length of the cuttings is 10 cm. They are taken from young flexible shoots, cut off at a level of 1 cm above the upper bud, and the lower part of the cut should be 5 mm below the bud. From below, the stalk is sprinkled with crushed coal and buried in sand (layer 3-4 cm), which is poured on top universal primer. A drainage layer is also needed at the bottom of the tank. In a container with a diameter of 7-9 cm, 3 kinkan cuttings can be planted to a depth of 2 cm.
To create greenhouse conditions, the cuttings are covered with a jar and or plastic bottle and keep the soil moist. The container is placed in a warm place with diffused light. If the temperature is 2-3 degrees higher than room temperature, then after two or three weeks roots begin to form.
After the appearance of the first sprouts, the shelter is removed for several minutes a day, gradually increasing the time and then completely removed. Grown young plants are planted in separate pots with a diameter of 10-12 cm.
Growing problems
Kumquat at home is susceptible to attack by scale insects or spider mites. Care errors, such as excessive watering, lead to the development of bacterial and fungal infections: root rot, anthracosis, chlorosis. The plant is also characterized by diseases inherent in the representatives of citrus fruits, for example, malsecco - infectious drying of shoots or homosis - release of liquid - gum from the branches.
There are also problems not related to pests and diseases. If the tips of the leaves dry on the tree and yellow spots appear, then the reason is an excess of fertilizers, which led to a chemical burn. The soil must be washed with abundant watering and stop feeding for a month.
Falling leaves after purchase indicates stress, inevitable in this case. Treat the citrus crown with any of the growth biostimulants and cover with a transparent bag for 10-14 days.
An elegant white, pink flowering evergreen kumquat tree is a wonderful interior design option. The plant has a particularly beautiful view at the time of fruiting: bright golden, orange fruits delight the eye all winter. The fruits of an elegant tree are small, but their number is very large.
They have a delicate pleasant aroma, juicy tangerine taste, their skin is sweet and edible, the flesh is sour, so everyone likes fruits without exception. The fragrant smell of flowers, fruits endows with wonderful freshness, very healthy essential oils. The main advantages that kumquat has, growing at home, is the huge content in the fruits of natural vitamins, mineral elements, phytoncides, antioxidants that help increase the body's immune forces.
You can grow a fruiting tree from a seed, but the first fruits will appear in a few years (8-10), so the most attractive planting methods are by grafting on a lemon, orange plant, or from a kumquat layer. Plant cuttings take root very rarely, so it is better not to take the method into account.
From the bone
The term for the appearance of sprouts is 1-2 months.
Growing stages:
- Rinse fresh kumquat seeds from very ripe fruits, dry them, place them in a special nutrient solution - a growth stimulator.
- Then place them in the soil, the composition of which is: sand, garden soil in equal proportions, or a special mixture for citrus fruits.
- Before planting, heat treatment of dishes and soil is required so that the roots of the plant are not attacked by worms and other pests.
- A drainage layer (expanded clay, pebbles) is placed at the bottom of the dishes, then the ground, into which 2-4 bones are buried about two cm.
- With the help of a transparent film create a mini greenhouse.
- Seedlings can be planted (one per pot), when 4 leaves appear. They are usually used as a rootstock.
Planting with rooted branches
- For growing fruits, it is better to use layering of a plant that produces fruits.
- The one-year-old shoot is partially freed from the bark, placed among sand mixture with peat (1:1).
- Watered with settled water with the addition of stimulants.
- Roots are formed at the level of the bark cut in about 30-40 days, then part of the plant is cut off and planted together with a clod of earth inside a pot with high walls of small diameter (10 cm below).
It is important to protect the sprout for two weeks from the hot sun and water it abundantly.
tree care
Health, beauty and abundant fruiting are influenced by many factors: light, humidity, temperature regime, . Violation of only one condition can lead to the death of the plant, good harvest will give only complex care.
humidity and light
Kumquat loves frequent watering, leaf spraying and the brightest window. In warm weather, he likes to live on the balcony, open veranda. In winter, the tree will calmly survive the temperature of 5 degrees, but it is rarely necessary to water it, only with room-temperature water that has settled from the impurity. Be sure to spray, otherwise the kumquat will shed both fruits and leaves.
In the summer, the plant has enough sunlight diffused light. If it's not hot, he likes the direct rays of the sun. When it's time for short days, long nights, kumquats need artificial lighting. The optimum temperature for fruiting in winter is from 18 degrees.
By spring house tree you need to moisten every other day, spray in summer, water - daily, in winter a couple of times a week. If it does not experience a lack of moisture, the kumquat grows and bushes very quickly, blooms and bears fruit abundantly.
It is important that the roots do not experience overheating, so plant pots with buds, flowers are placed in moss, or placed among wet sand.
Formation and feeding
Home kumquat is able to grow 1.5 meters high, so experienced growers in the spring, they necessarily form a semicircular shape of the plant, pinching out the stretching branches. After such a procedure, the fruits appear much more. The introduction of special fertilizers for citrus is mandatory. The frequency and portions of watering with useful nutrients: superphosphate, potassium salts depends on the size of the vessel where the plant grows and the stage of development of the kumquat. In a small pot of a flowering, fruit-bearing tree, top dressing should be applied two or three times a month in the summer, one or two in the winter.
The most popular varieties of kumquat for growing in room conditions the following varieties are considered: Nagami, Marumi, Meiwa, quite unpretentious, cold-resistant. There are also hybrid plants obtained with the help of grafting material on citrus trees of mandarin, lemon.
Be sure to get an elegant tree in a pot, it will serve you as a natural antidepressant, it will become a source of joy for eternal summer. Its miniature fruits are a wonderful diversification of a boring winter menu with marmalade, jam, exotic cocktails, salads. Fill the space of the kitchen, rooms with exquisite freshness of citrus aromas.
The kumquat plant captivates with its exoticism. Growing and propagating this fruit is possible at home. By planting it and providing proper care, you can not only grow a very decorative tree, as in the photos presented, but also enjoy the exquisite taste of its fruits.
General description of the plant
The kumquat is native to China. From there, the plant was later introduced to America and Europe. Its name translates as "golden orange". In Japan, another name for the fruit is Kinkan (golden apple).
Kumquat is 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 strongly branched, dense, densely leafy. The leaves are small, smooth, dark green. The kumquat blooms with white fragrant flowers with a rose. Flowers are arranged singly or in inflorescences. The fruits are somewhat reminiscent of tangerines, only much smaller. Their weight does not exceed 30 g, the skin is thin, bright orange. The taste of kumquat fruits is balanced, thanks to the fragrant sweet skin and sour pulp.
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, as can be seen in the presented photos.
Kumquat Nagami
Varieties and varieties of kumquat
Most often, when grown at home, the Nagami kumquat is found. Outwardly, it is very ornamental plant and is used in the design of bonsai gardens. Its crown is compact and completely strewn with bright orange fruits during the fruiting period. Available garden molds Kumquat Nagami:
- Nordmann Nagami- a stoneless subspecies, outwardly similar to Nagas.
- variegated- his distinctive feature are yellowish or cream-colored leaves. The fruits first 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 the tree of this species is somewhat smaller. The fruits are golden-orange when ripe, with small seeds. The plant is conditionally winter-hardy. In the southern regions it is able to grow in open ground.
Kumquat Marumi
- A lesser known type 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, outwardly resembling a lemon. The peel is golden, sometimes with shades of yellow.
kumquat meiva
- The variety boasts the largest fruits Fukushi(otherwise Changshu, lat. Fucushii Kumquat). The tree grows a meter or a little more in height, while its crown is sprawling, dense. Its leaves are larger than those of other members of the genus. Fruits can be both oval and pear-shaped. Dessert flavored juicy pulp is surrounded by a thin, very sweet orange skin.
fukushi kumquat
- Kumquat Hong Kong(Hong Kong Kumquat) is characterized by dry fruits, the size of a pea. The fruit of this kumquat is practically not eaten. On its branches are numerous long prickly thorns.
kumquat hong kong
- There is another type of kumquat that is not grown at home - Malay(Malayan Kumquat). At home, it is grown as green hedges. It is distinguished by its impressive size and large golden fruits.
In addition to varieties of kumquat, there is whole line interspecific hybrids:
- calamondin - a hybrid obtained by crossing a kumquat with a tangerine;
- limequat - a hybrid of kumquat with lime;
- orangequat is a hybrid of kumquat and orange.
Planting and caring for kumquats
The growth period of 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 representatives of citrus fruits. The tree blooms in the middle of summer for a week. Flowering may occur again after 2-3 weeks. At home, the flowering of the tree must be normalized. By the end of winter, exotic fruits ripen on the kumquat.
At proper care in winter the tree will bear fruit
Location. Kumquat needs to be allocated the sunniest place in the house. In summer - create conditions for diffused lighting, you can take it out to the street or balcony. In winter - as much direct sunlight as possible and, if possible, cool air.
Attention! In order for the kumquat to have a miniature size, a small container is taken for planting. For the full development of the tree, voluminous pots are used.
The soil. For planting kumquat, a soil mixture of turf and garden soil, leaf humus and river sand is used.
Kumquats need to be watered abundantly
Watering. Kumquat loves watering. They should be plentiful and regular, but without stagnant moisture. In the summer heat and the period of central heating turned on, the plant needs frequent spraying and wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. With excessively dry air, the tree begins to hurt and shed its leaves. It would also be useful to “take a shower” with a kumquat that imitates natural rain.
Attention! Watering should be carried out only with warm water. Otherwise, the tree will shed its foliage.
pruning. Spring is the period of kumquat crown formation. To do this, 2-3 shoots are left on the main branches, the rest are removed. The left shoots are shortened a little, thereby stimulating the growth of young shoots.
Transfer. Once every two or three years, the plant needs to be transplanted. They do this by transshipment so as not to disturb the earthen clod. The soil and drainage layer in the pot must be changed to new ones.
Attention! Transplantation is carried out in early spring before growth begins.
Feeding and fertilizing
Without regular fertilizing, the kumquat will not bear fruit. The frequency of fertilization depends on many factors:
- the age of the tree and its condition;
- soil used for growing;
- pot sizes.
So, if the kumquat pot is small, you need to feed more often.
During the growth period, kumquats are fed every ten days with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. During the dormant period, the number of dressings is reduced to once a month.
Fertilizers are also necessary for fruiting and normal plant development.
Optimal Composition complex fertilizer(for 1 liter of water):
- ammonium nitrate - 1/4 teaspoon;
- potassium chloride - 1/8 teaspoon;
- simple superphosphate - 1/2 teaspoon.
Responsive kumquat and the introduction of infusion of wood ash.
Diseases and pests
Kumquat is affected by many diseases inherent in citrus fruits. Symptoms of discomfort can be:
- spots on the leaves;
- change in the shape and color of the leaves;
- panicle shoots;
- drying out of the tree;
- growth formation.
Spotting on kumquat leaves
Fungal and bacterial diseases (anthracnose, warty, gommosis, etc.) can be cured. If the plant has buds or fruits, they must be removed to save the kumquat's strength. 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 a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture 2-3 times during the growth period.
A tree affected by a virus (xyloporosis, trispeza, etc.) cannot be cured.
In an unfavorable indoor climate, kumquats are attacked by aphids, spider mite, scale insects and other sucking pests, the fight against which is carried out with special preparations.
Kumquat breeding
Kumquats can be propagated in several ways:
- seeds;
- cuttings;
- rooting layering;
- rootstock vaccinations.
Grown from seeds, young plants do not retain maternal qualities, they begin to bear fruit late. This method is mainly used by breeders to develop new varieties and grow 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 fruit-bearing kumquat. The leaves are cut in half. Root cuttings 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 the speed of rooting cuttings, planting material can be treated with any growth stimulant.
Rooted cuttings are planted in pots with earth. Further care for a 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 get not only elegant decorative tree but also tasty, healthy fruits.
Growing kumquat: video
