What is a Kumquat, Anyway?
Small and colorful, sweet and sour, the kumquat is an attractive and delicious addition to any garden! They are a wonderfully ornamental plant and look great in pots. They are not a huge tree, and when mature they become covered in tiny, bright orange fruits. In addition, they add a lovely citrus aroma to your garden. The strong fragrance wafting through the air is attractive to bees, which is beneficial to all the neighboring plants as well. Kumquat trees are easy to grow and give you a lot of bang for your buck!
They are a very prolific plant and will give you a ton of fruits per tree. The fruit is very healthy, and is densely packed with nutrients like vitamin C. This citrus tree can be counted on to bear fruit every single year. You can find several varieties of kumquats, depending on your taste. The Nagami is the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The inner fruit is rather sour but is complimented by the sweet outer rind. The Nagami variety has a more oblong shape. The Meiwa is a slightly sweeter variety and produces a more rounded fruit than the Nagami.
Growing Kumquats Anywhere
If you are growing in zones 9 through 11, then you may decide to grow your trees outside, and they will thrive. In these zones, you can grow your trees in the ground or in pots. While the kumquat tree is a hardy plant, it is rather intolerant to the cold. Luckily, it is easily grown in containers. So, if you are growing in other zones, you can simply move the plant indoors during the colder months. Kumquat trees can be grown on a porch, in a green house, or even near an east or west facing window. It is a citrus plant, so it is important to give it at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If you are growing indoors, you may want to supplement with a grow light.
Are Kumquats Right for Your Garden?
If you are wondering if it is a good idea to begin growing kumquat trees, then wonder no more! These magnificent citrus trees add beauty and fragrance to your garden, and delicious flavor and nutrition to your kitchen table. Each tree will provide you with a bounty of fruit, year after year. With a little preparation and proper maintenance, you can care for your plant even in colder climates. No matter who you are, or what part of the country you call home, the kumquat tree will make a beautiful addition to your garden!
They are deliiiicious.