Kumquat tree growing guide
Kumquat trees are small and this makes them ideal to grow in a small backyard. Compared to other citrus trees, a kumquat plant has a very low-maintenance lifespan, and once established it can thrive for many years. Compared to other citrus plants, this plant is very easy to grow.
If you’re looking to grow these trees in your backyard, here are some of the care tips that you should know:
- Sunlight
Kumquat plants need lots of bright sunlight. The trees need at least 6hrs of exposure to direct sunlight every day.
- Watering
For the trees to thrive, you need to water them regularly if the soil feels dry below the surface. The roots should be kept moist especially throughout the first month. Remember to put a layer of mulch around the trunk to retain moisture.
Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming soggy.
- Temperature and humidity
Kumquat trees grow naturally in warm and humid areas. Humidity is your friend if you’re looking to get incredibly sweet fruits. Even though these plants thrive in the heat, they can still survive in the cold as long as it doesn’t go below 18 degrees.
- Soil
If you’re planting the tree outdoors, find a spot with well-drained loamy and avoid dense heavy clay which can lead to standing water and root rot.
The soil should be slightly acidic. A pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 should work.
- Fertilizer
During their first month of life, apply liquid fertilizer to the tree. Slow-release all-purpose citrus fertilizer should be added during the spring and summer months to help promote a healthy root system. Don’t get any fertilizer on the tree itself but apply it directly into the soil.
Seeing that growing and caring for kumquats is not very hard even for beginner gardeners. All that one needs to do is understand the right conditions for optimum growth such as the correct soil type, the frequency of watering, and the citrus fertilizer to use. It also helps to identify the specific variety that you’re growing so that you can tell what diseases and pests are a threat. Lastly, you need to find the right tree that isn’t rot-infested as these set you back before they can start producing fruits.