Giant Kumquat
Out of stock
These instructions are sent with the plant gift
PLEASE NOTE: At this time of year kumquat fruits are likely to be ripe on arrival. If they drop in transit or shortly after just use them fresh in drinks or store them in the fruit bowl until ready to use.
This little citrus tree has both tasty fruit and fragrant flowers – sometimes both at once. It is a kumquat (Citrus japonica) and it bears sweet scented white flowers and distinctive orange fruit. It can bring pleasure for years, with the right care.
Like all citrus trees, this plant loves light. Near a window in a bright cool room or conservatory is best. Try to keep your plant away from any radiators or cold draughts which may shock your plant. A cool room is fine, but a draughty porch or a frosty conservatory is not. If your plant gets below 5ºC it will suffer.
Water thoroughly from the top when the soil is bone dry and let the excess water drain away. You might find it needs watering almost every day when it is hot in the summer but as little as once a fortnight in winter. It will depend on the weather and how warm your room is. The roots should not stand in water, so always best to water these plants on the draining board and wait for the water to drain before placing back in the usual position.
In the heat of summer your plant will appreciate a holiday. Put it outside on a sheltered patio and it will enjoy the fresh air. Bring it back inside when there is a nip in the evening air. Don’t worry if the soil feels dry on top - the most common cause of problems is watering too frequently in the winter months when the plant is resting.
The fruit and the peel of this exotic fruit are both edible raw, the more sunlight they receive the sweeter they will grow. The oval orange fruit are great on their own, in drinks or in desserts.
Problem solving Sudden changes in environment, under or over watering can all cause leaf drop however with a return to regular watering and a stable temperature they will usually recover well.
Mouldy flowers is a sign that your plant is either over watered or in too damp a spot, try a sunnier position and leaving longer between watering.
