Kumquat: Tiny citrus with big character

WITH the Lunar New Year approaching, I would like to share with you some details about the popular traditional citrus plants for decoration.

Kumquat (Citrus Japonica) takes a unique place.

A member of the citrus family, it belongs to the same botanical group as oranges, lemons and mandarins. What sets kumquat apart from the rest is that when ripe, it can be eaten whole – rind and all.

It has a distinctive sweet-tart flavour combination.

Native to China, this hardy little fruit has spread across the world and become a favourite for home gardeners, chefs and health enthusiasts alike.

Kumquat is a small, oval-shaped fruit within the Rutaceae family. The name is derived from the Cantonese word ‘kam kwat’, meaning ‘golden orange’ – a direct reference to its colour when ripe.

This plant, when in fruiting, is chosen as a very auspicious home decoration for the Lunar Chinese New Year, alongside mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis).

The kumquat is small, the most it can be is 4cm in length.

The pericarp (pulp) naturally has low juice content, but it is agreed that this fruit is much sweeter than the regular oranges.

When it comes to planting, the optimal temperature is between 20°C and 32°C; daily sunlight between six and eight hours; and an area with annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 1,500mm.

The medium should have good drainage, as prolonged waterlogging can lead to root rot.

Soil of sandy loam or loam type with pH levels of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic and with high volume of organic matter, is optimal.

On the planting method, grafting is possible but the source must be certified.

Dig a hole twice the size of the estimated root ball. Place the plant with the graft union above the soil level.

Backfill with soil mixed with compost, and water thoroughly.

Apply fertiliser three to four times a year: nitrogen for leaf growth; phosphorus for root and flower development; potassium for better fruit quality and disease resistance; as well as micro-nutrients – namely, magnesium, zinc, iron and boron.

Use citrus-specific fertilizer, or NPK 15-15-15.

Pruning can remove dead or diseased branches, crossing limbs and water shoots.

I hope all of you will have ‘a fruitful year’ ahead.

Happy New Year, and Happy Gardening!