How do you maintain a kumquat tree?

Content

• How do you maintain a kumquat tree?
• The most important care tips in brief:
• The pouring of a kumquat
• The repotting of a kumquat
• The Kumquat in winter
• The diseases of a kumquat
• Do you have to prune a kumquat tree?
• Tips & Tricks

How do you maintain a kumquat tree?

The kumquat or Asian dwarf orange is ideal as a decorative plant or houseplant and, with good care and sufficient fertilization even edible fruits. However, at European latitudes, it does not reach its original size of up to five meters.

Next article How to properly trim your kumquat tree

Like other citrus plants, the kumquat does not like drafts or cold wind. In summer it can be good outside, as a container plant on the balcony or the terrace. She likes it warm and sunny. However, it is not frost hardy and therefore requires a suitable winter quarters.

The most important care tips in brief:

The pouring of a kumquat

The kumquat is one of the thirsty plants, it should be abundantly poured in the spring and summer. Pay attention to the regular addition of special fertilizer for citrus plants. This supports flowering and, above all, fruiting in later years.

The root ball should never completely dry out. If the pH of the irrigation water is too high, your kumquat may enter. Avoid waterlogging, otherwise the roots of your kumquat tree will rot. Therefore, a drainage layer in the planter is absolutely necessary so that the excess irrigation water can drain well.

The repotting of a kumquat

Repotting is only necessary with a kumquat, if the planter is too small, otherwise occasional replacement of the potting soil is sufficient. This is best done at the beginning of the growing season in spring. Planting in the garden is not recommended because the kumquat is not frost hardy.

The Kumquat in winter

For a short time, the kumquat even tolerates light frost. However, it should better winter frost-free, cool and bright. Because the roots should never freeze. Temperatures just above the frost limit are sufficient, however. Fertilization is not required during the winter and watering can be reduced. Ideal is the hibernation in a greenhouse or conservatory.

The diseases of a kumquat

As an exotic plant the kumquat is unfortunately susceptible to diseases and pests. Particularly annoying are red spiders and scale insects. Check your kumquat regularly for pests, wash out infected parts of the plant and remove the pests. The best protection, however, is a proper care, because weakened plants are particularly vulnerable.

Do you have to prune a kumquat tree?

A kumquat tree should be pruned regularly, especially if space is limited. Although it does not grow as fast in cooler areas as it does in Asia, it can reach a considerable size. The best time to prune is the spring after the winter break. The pruning simultaneously promotes the formation of a beautiful crown.

Tips & Tricks

Good care may be rewarded with sweet and sour fruits. If they give in on finger pressure and have a strong orange color, they are ready for harvest.