Kumquats and Calamondins

Kumquats and calamondins are smaller trees than all the other citrus. Calamondin have a very upright growth to about 8' to 10' in height and a diameter of only a few feet. They flower often and produce several times a year. Kumquats grow to about 8' tall with a diameter of about 8'. Unlike the calamondin which has no canopy, kumquats have a true tree-like canopy, like a minature tree. While kumquats are generally sweet, skin and all, calamondin are sharp tasting like a lime or lemon, but better.

Care of Kumquat and Calamondin Trees

The following information on care of citrus applies to kumquats and calamondins:

Planting: Citrus trees that are purchased in fall or winter need to be kept in the pots until late March or when all danger of freeze has passed. Do not plant these trees before late March or they will very likely die in the winter freezes. Bring them into the garage or house if there is going to be a frost and take them back out after the frost. Plant them in an area that receives at least ½ day of sun. If possible, plant them on the south side of a house or building or where they will get a lot of protection from winter winds. Citrus do not require full sun as most other fruit trees, however the more sun the more production of fruit. Plant them in existing soil without amenities, and make sure the graft is a couple of inches above the soil line. Water every few days while in pots unless it rains. Test the soil in the pot by pushing your finger into the soil. If it is dry an inch down, it is time to water. When planted in the ground, water every day for a few days and then back off to once a week unless it rains.

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize the first spring, but you could fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as Microlife once during the first summer.  In the next spring and summer, you can fertilize a couple of times.

Care: Citrus do not need to be pruned, but you could prune them if they get too big and in the way. And you can prune them on the top to keep them to a height for easy harvesting. You are likely to notice the new growth leaves start to curl. This is citrus leaf miner which is a leaf miner that affects the new leaves of most citrus. You can spray NEEM Oil on the new growth (both sides of leaves), and repeat a week later. This may stop the leaf miner, and it may not. The tree will still grow and produce even though the leaf miner attacks the leaves; but the tree will be more productive and healthier if the leaf miner is prevented.

 

Meiwa Kumquats. Photo by TreeSearch Farms

Cold Tolerance: Some citrus have very good cold tolerance down to 22 degrees and some even to 10 degrees; but most can be damaged by freezes especially when they are young. In the first couple of years, if there is going to be a freeze, protect the plant by covering with a blanket with a large bucket of water sitting right next to the plant and under the blanket. Also pile mulch or leaves around the base of the tree to protect the graft. In this way, if the tree freezes, it will come right back. After the freeze, remove the blanket and pull back the mulch or leaves. As the tree gets bigger, it is less sensitive to freezes. Some trees, like limes, are very sensitive to freezes and should be kept in pots and brought in if there is going to be a freeze.

Harvesting: Citrus ripen depending on the variety. Some like limes may produce several times during the year. Some satsumas produce as early as August and others as late as December. Oranges can ripen as early as November and some in January. Except for satsumas and some limes, all citrus will change color before they are ripe. You can taste when you think they are ripe and keep tasting on a weekly basis. You will soon learn what they taste like when ripe.

Varieties of Kumquat and Calamondin for the Houston Area Climate

Changshou Kumquat  This large kumquat has a sweet mild flavor with less seeds and more juice than Meiwa.

Meiwa Kumquat Large, round, very sweet flesh and rind. Great for fresh eating-skin and all is edible. Very ornamental. A heavy bearer. Survives 17 degrees F. or below. Ripens when bright orange in late November and best in February. Grows to about 8' tall and 6' wide.

Meiwa Seedless Kumquat Large, slightly oval, very sweet. Great for fresh eating-skin and all is edible. Very ornamental. A heavy bearer. Survives 17 degrees F. or below. Ripens when bright orange in late November and best in February. Grows to about 8' tall and 6' wide.

Nagel’s Seedless Kumquat Discovered by Dr. Nagel, this kumquat has outstanding flavor without all those seeds. This is the second year of this coveted fruit. The freeze tolerance is the same as the other kumquats.

Calamondin Small upright kumquat-size fruit, outstanding sour juice. Very decorative plant. Great for fish, lemonade, and flavoring drinks. Cold hardy into the teens. Produces a quarter-sized juicy fruit that has a tender pulp that is acidic. The fruit can be eaten fresh or is wonderful when used in marmalades. This tree is very showy when grown in a container and used as a patio specimen.