Did you know that the kumquat is the only citrus fruit that doesn’t require skinning before eating? Little factoid for ya.

The Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita) was introduced into Florida in 1885 and has been grown commercially there ever since. This is a slow-growing, shrub-like tree that not only provides tasty fruit, but makes an attractive accent in the garden as well.

The Nagami kumquat tree grows best in areas where summers are hot (80 to 100 degrees F). Aside from heat, the tree isn’t as high maintenance as you may think.

Watering your kumquat tree

Water the young Nagami kumquat once a week, slowly and deeply. A drip system is ideal, otherwise use a soaker hose and leave it going for about one hour.

The mature Nagami kumquat tree requires less water. If the weather is particularly dry, provide water for the tree when the top 3 inches of soil becomes dry.

And, no, you don’t need a moisture meter to determine when it’s time to water. Buy a bamboo stake, insert it 3 inches into the soil and if it comes out moist, don’t water. If the stake is dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing your kumquat tree

Fertilize the Nagami kumquat tree with a formula recommended for use on citrus trees (see the Rresources section, below, for our recommendations).

Experts at the University of Florida suggest using 12-0-12 from spring until late summer or early fall. Apply the fertilizer in a 3-foot ring around the tree, but don’t allow the fertilizer to touch the trunk.

Bugs on your kumquat tree

Periodically inspect the Nagami kumquat tree for signs of insects. The most common is scale and can be identified by the black substance they leave on the leaves.

Use an insecticidal soap spray (see the Resources section below) to rid the tree of scale. You’ll need to spray both sides of the leaves and cover the bugs with the solution. You may need to repeat the spray in a week.

By the way, to avoid burning the leaves in the sun, spray only after sundown, and only if temperatures don’t exceed 90 degrees F.

Other tips for growing a thriving kumquat tree

• Remove all weeds and turf grasses from within 3 feet around the tree.
• Lay down a 3-inch layer of mulch, one foot from the trunk of the tree. The mulch will help discourage weeds and conserve moisture in the soil.
• Prune off suckers (shoots that grow from the base of the tree) as they appear. The suckers take energy that the Nagami kumquat tree can otherwise use for fruit production.

Resources

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Soaker Hose

Bamboo Stakes

Citrus Fertilizer

Insecticidal Soap

Pruning Shears