Grow your own Kumquats! These fantastic exotic fruits grow on attractive trees, and are surprisingly easy to grow and maintain. The golden-yellow coloured fruit closely resembles that of the orange, but it is much smaller and ovular, being approximately the size and shape of a large olive.

The sweetness of the fruit comes from the rind, so unlike other citrus fruits, they’re normally best eaten whole with the peel on, either fresh from the tree or in desserts - also tasty in marmalades, and fruit salads. This plant symbolizes good luck in China and other Asian countries, where it is sometimes given as a gift during the Lunar New Year. It's more commonly cultivated than most other kumquats as it is cold tolerant. It can be kept as a houseplant.

Contents:

• 1 x Fruiting Kumquat in 3 Litre Pot
  
  

Care - Cover the kumquat tree with a blanket/fleece if a hard frost is expected. Prune your kumquat tree after the fruit has been picked but before new flowers appear. Remove dead or broken branches and trim branch ends to help the tree maintain its shape. Prune off suckers from the base of the tree, as they will take nutrients and energy away from the fruit-bearing portion of the tree. Water young kumquat trees and container-grown specimens often - at least once weekly. Kumquats are in the citrus family, and therefore need a considerable supply of water in order to produce flowers and fruit. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Hardiness - Hardy in zones eight through 10

Position - Plant or place your kumquat tree in full sun if possible. They'll also do well in partial sun, or may be planted beneath the shade of a larger tree, like an oak or pine.

Soil Type - Kumquat prefers sandy, loamy soil, but will grow in other types as long as it drains

Growth - Shoot growth restarts in the Spring and Summer. Kumquats growth form is usually that of a bush posture rather than a tree form (unless the lower limbs are removed to elevate the fruiting process) far enough from the ground to prevent mud or soil splashing onto the fruit. In cool or cold weather, the kumquats can remain fresh on the trees from October through January.

Ultimate Height - 10 feet to 12 feet

Ultimate Spread - 5 feet to 8 feet

Top Tip from GardenBargains.com -

The more sunlight they receive, the sweeter the fruits will grow!