Kumquat, Citrus kinokuni, Citrus madurensis, Citrus × nobilis var. inermis, Citrus kumquat, Fortunella hindsii, Fortunella japonica, Fortunella margarita, Fortunella × crassifolia
The kumquat tree (Citrus japonica) is a dazzling evergreen wonder, prized for its glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and vibrant bite-sized fruits. Native to Southern China, kumquats are one of the few fruits you can eat whole, skin and all, offering a delightful burst of sweet-tart flavor and a host of health benefits.
Kumquat trees are small to medium-sized evergreen shrubs or trees belonging to the citrus family Rutaceae, which includes other popular citrus fruits such as grapefruit, orange, lemon, pomelo, clementine, mandarin, tangerine, calamansi, Kaffir lime, Persian lime, and Key lime. Unlike other citrus fruits, the kumquat fruit has a uniquely sweet peel and tart flesh, creating a refreshing flavor experience.
Kumquat trees have a dense, rounded canopy and are generally thornless, though some varieties or young branches may have small thorns. They are excellent as ornamentals, container plants, or backyard trees.
Typically, kumquat trees grow 8–15 feet tall and wide (2.4–4.5 meters), depending on the variety and growing conditions.
The small, starry, fragrant white flowers bloom singly or in small clusters, contrasting beautifully against the dark glossy foliage.
The blooming season of kumquat trees is typically late spring to early summer, with some varieties flowering into midsummer or even sporadically throughout the year. The trees are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce abundant fruits, which ripen from late fall through winter.
Kumquat fruit may be small in size, but it bursts with big flavor! These bright orange jewels, usually 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, are oval or round and shine like miniature suns on the tree. What makes kumquats truly unique is that you can eat them whole—skin and all!
The thin, smooth peel is delightfully sweet, while the juicy flesh inside delivers a lively tangy-sour kick, creating a refreshing contrast in every bite. The edible skin adds a fragrant citrus aroma and a silky texture, much finer than that of a typical orange. Inside, a few tiny seeds can easily be spat out or simply enjoyed if you don’t mind a little crunch. Few fruits offer such a fun and surprising taste experience!
Kumquat leaves are small, lance- or spear-shaped, dark green, leathery, and evergreen. They are less fragrant than other citrus types and not winged.
Hardy in USDA zones 8–11, kumquat trees tolerate colder temperatures better than most citrus and can survive brief freezes down to 18°F (-8°C). However, for best results and fruiting, kumquats are usually grown outdoors year-round in zones 9–11. Cold-Hardy Citrus Fruits You Can Grow In Your Backyard.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Kumquat fruits are non-toxic to humans. However, like other citrus plants, leaves and stems may cause mild digestive upset in pets if ingested.
Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 71 kcal | 4% |
Carbohydrates | 16 g | 5% |
Fiber | 6.5 g | 26% |
Protein | 2 g | 4% |
Fat | 1 g | 1% |
Vitamin C | 49-73% DV | Boosts immune system and protects against oxidative stress. |
Vitamin A | 6% DV | Supports eye health and immune function. |
Vitamin E | 0.15 mg | 1% |
Potassium | 186 mg | 5% |
Manganese | 0.1 mg | 6–7% |
Folate | 17 mcg | 4% |
Calcium | 6% DV | Strengthens bones and teeth. |
Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual needs may vary depending on age, gender, and activity level.
Benefit | How It Helps |
---|---|
Immune Support | Packed with vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and help ward off colds and infections. |
Digestive Health | High in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion, gut health, and regular bowel movements. |
Weight Management | Low in calories and high in fiber, helping you feel fuller longer and supporting healthy weight control. |
Heart Health | Rich in potassium and antioxidants that support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular wellness. |
Antioxidant Power | Loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. |
Unlike most citrus fruits, kumquats are meant to be eaten whole — peel and all! Their unique combination of sweet skin and tangy flesh creates a refreshing burst of flavor you won’t forget.
Eat Them Fresh: Rinse thoroughly, roll gently between your fingers to release the fragrant oils, and pop the entire fruit into your mouth! The peel’s sweetness perfectly balances the tartness inside.
Quick Tip: Gently rolling kumquats between your fingers before eating helps release their essential oils, enhancing their delicious flavor even more!
Kumquat trees are surprisingly easy to grow, offering glossy foliage, fragrant blooms, and vibrant fruit with minimal fuss. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, they add beauty and bounty to any sunny spot.
Kumquats thrive in full sun. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant flowers and fruit. A bright, sheltered location helps protect against strong winds that could damage the fruit.
Plant kumquat trees in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–6.5). Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Plant kumquat trees in early spring after the last frost. In frost-free climates, they can be planted year-round. Container-grown kumquats can be started anytime with proper indoor conditions.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first year. In hot weather, young trees may need watering 2–3 times per week. Once established, kumquat trees are moderately drought-tolerant but perform best with regular watering during dry periods, especially when flowering and fruiting.
Feed kumquat trees with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer from spring through summer. Apply according to the package instructions, and supplement with trace minerals like magnesium and iron if needed.
Mulching kumquat trees conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and enriches the soil as it breaks down. Use 2–3 inches (5-7 cm) of organic mulch like bark, straw, or compost, extending to the drip line but keeping it 6 inches (15 cm) away from the trunk to prevent rot and pests.
Minimal pruning is required. Prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage airflow within the canopy. Remove any suckers that grow from the rootstock.
Kumquats ripen from late fall to early spring, depending on your climate and variety. Fruit is ready when it turns fully bright orange and feels slightly soft to the touch.
Grafting kumquats onto hardy citrus rootstock (like trifoliate orange) produces stronger, disease-resistant plants. T-budding and cleft grafting are the most common methods used by professionals.
Even though kumquat trees are hardy, they can sometimes face pest and disease problems. Early action and good care are key to keeping your tree vigorous and productive.
Aphids: Tiny sap-feeders that cluster on tender growth, causing leaf curling, yellowing, and sticky honeydew that attracts ants and can lead to sooty mold.
Scale Insects: Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaves that weaken trees by sucking sap and creating sticky residue.
Spider Mites: Mites spin fine webs under leaves, leading to stippling, leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop, especially in dry conditions.
Mealybugs: White, cottony insects that attack leaves and stems, slowing growth and encouraging mold.
Leaf Miners: Larvae tunnel between leaf layers, leaving twisting, silvery trails on the foliage.
Whiteflies: Tiny, flying pests that cause yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew buildup, and possible sooty mold infections.
Borers: Larvae that bore into trunks and branches, weakening the tree’s structure.
Fungus Gnats: Thrive in overly wet soils and can damage delicate roots, leading to poor plant health.
Deer, rabbits, and squirrels: May nibble young shoots, bark, and ripe fruit if trees are left unprotected.
Anthracnose: Causes tan or dark spots on leaves and fruit, leading to premature drop and dieback.
Greasy Spot: Yellow leaf spots that turn into brown, greasy-looking blisters.
Scab: Rough, corky patches on fruits and stems, affecting appearance and health.
Algal Leaf Spot: Greenish-gray velvety patches that form under humid conditions, especially on leaves and twigs.
Melanose: Small brown spots and raised bumps on fruit and foliage, often associated with tree wounds or stress.
Citrus Canker: Highly contagious bacterial infection causing yellow halo spots and leading to fruit loss and tree decline.
Root Rot (Phytophthora): Fungal infection thriving in poorly drained soils, leading to bark peeling, yellowing leaves, and tree collapse.
Alternaria Brown Spot: Brown, sunken lesions on leaves and fruits that can cause fruit drop.
Citrus Greening (HLB): A fatal disease causing yellow blotched leaves, small misshapen fruits, and severe tree decline (no cure yet).
Just pop the whole fruit in your mouth — no peeling required! The peel is sweet, while the flesh is tart. Some people spit out the seeds, but they are edible.
Kumquats have a unique flavor: the peel is sweet, but the flesh is tart and tangy. The overall taste is a balance of sweet and sour.
Kumquats are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support immune health, digestion, and may help with weight management. The peel contains beneficial essential oils and flavonoids.
A 100g serving of kumquats contains about 71 calories, making them a low-calorie, healthy snack.
Kumquats are typically harvested from late fall through early spring, with peak season between November and April, depending on the variety and location.
No. Kumquat trees are self-pollinating, so a single tree will produce fruit on its own.
Grafted kumquat trees usually begin bearing fruit within 2–3 years of planting. Seed-grown trees take longer.
Yes! Kumquats thrive in containers and can be grown indoors in a sunny spot or greenhouse, making them ideal for small spaces or colder climates.
Kumquats are most commonly grown in Florida and California but can be cultivated in any warm, frost-free area or protected indoors.
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Kumquat |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Kumquat |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Citrus japonica (Kumquat) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Citrus japonica (Kumquat) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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