Photo: "Fortunella Margarita" by Archive · CC BY-SA 3.0

Kumquat · Dwarf-citrus

Nagami Kumquat

Perennial · Rutaceae

Nagami kumquat is the classic edible-peel citrus: the sweet rind balances a tart center, so beginners can simply pick and eat the whole fruit. It is also the most cold-hardy commonly grown citrus, making it one of the best citrus choices for container growers in zones 5a–8b and one of the easiest entry points into patio citrus.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8-10 hours; brightest south or west exposure indoors for container citrus

Spacing

60–96 "

Container

Yes

10+ gallon pot

Height

4–8 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 55°F

Harden Off 10 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 5.5–6.5

Soil Type Fast-draining citrus mix or gritty potting soil with excellent aeration.

Support Stake — Stake new container trees the first season so the root ball does not rock in wind.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Moderate Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

scale

Cause: Indoor overwintered citrus often attracts scale and sticky honeydew.

Prevention: Inspect stems and leaf undersides often and treat early infestations.

fruit-drop

Cause: Dry roots, low light, and sudden indoor-outdoor shifts can cause blossom or fruit drop.

Prevention: Move plants gradually, keep light high, and avoid hard dry-downs.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar

Harvest

Fruit should turn full orange and feel firm to slightly tender; the peel tastes sweet even while the flesh stays tart.

Expected Yield 8–20 lbs/plant

Storage 14 days — Refrigerate clean, dry fruit for best keeping, or leave short-term at cool room temperature.

Sources

seed_catalog US Citrus Nursery university University of Maryland Extension

Nagami Kumquat Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Nagami Kumquat vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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