Kumquat
Citrus japonica
A small evergreen citrus producing tiny oval orange fruit. It is among the most cold-hardy citrus and a popular compact container plant.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; let topsoil dry slightly
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Kumquats are small citrus trees in the genus Fortunella (now usually placed in Citrus) that bear miniature, olive-sized fruit.
The plants are compact, ornamental, and notably more cold-hardy than most citrus, making them popular for containers and small gardens. The oval 'Nagami' and the rounder 'Marumi' and 'Meiwa' are common types.
How to identify it
Identifying features:
- Size & habit: Small, dense, often slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub, 2-4 m tall
- Leaves: Small, glossy, dark green, lance-shaped
- Flowers: Small, white, fragrant, blooming in summer
- Fruit: Very small (2-4 cm), oval or round, with bright orange skin and juicy, seedy pulp
- Habit: Compact and tidy, well-suited to containers and hedging
Care & growing
Light: Full sun outdoors or very bright light indoors.
Water: Keep evenly moist, letting the surface dry slightly between waterings; good drainage is essential.
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5); citrus mix for containers.
Temperature: The most cold-hardy of the common citrus, tolerating brief dips to around -6 to -9°C; suited to USDA zones 8-11.
Feeding: Feed with citrus fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation: Usually grafted onto trifoliate orange rootstock for hardiness and disease resistance.
Habitat & origin
Kumquats are native to China, where they have been cultivated for centuries, and the name derives from the Cantonese for 'golden orange.' They later spread to Japan and the West.
They are now grown across East Asia, the southern United States, and the Mediterranean, and are popular container plants in cooler climates due to their cold tolerance and compact size.
Frequently asked questions
Are kumquats cold-hardy?
They are the most cold-tolerant common citrus, surviving brief frosts, though they still need protection from hard freezes.
Can I grow a kumquat tree indoors?
Yes. Their compact size and tolerance suit container growing indoors, provided they get very bright light and good drainage.
Are kumquats and oranges the same?
No. Kumquats are a distinct, much smaller citrus, though they are closely related to oranges.
What does a kumquat tree look like?
It is a small, dense, slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub 2-4 m tall, with glossy dark green lance-shaped leaves, fragrant white summer flowers, and tiny oval orange fruit.
Kumquat guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Kumquat.
