Dwarf Nagami Kumquat finally growing up!
AuntieJenny (z9/19 SoCal)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Some of you might remember my post and photo in 2015 of my dwarf Nagami Kumquat. It had been in a very large pot for about 10 years, then moved into a smaller pot, then moved again into a permanent spot in the ground. And after a year or two it was very healthy and happy, just small....
... and I remembered the saying "1st year it sleeps, 2nd year it creeps, 3rd year it leaps" so I remained hopeful and gave it regular feedings (EB Stone Citrus fertilizer) and adequate water. I waited, and hoped.... and in 2016 it began to creep and did this:
.... so I continued to be hopeful and give it the care and feeding it needs. And in Spring of 2018 it leaped!!! Here it is now (below), between the Lantana and the butterfly - as tall as the fence! I plan to remove some of the lower branches to shape it into a tree-like form. I could not be more thrilled!!!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
AuntieJenny (z9/19 SoCal)
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Nagami Kumquat - how much shade can it take?
Comments (2)My Kumquat [don't recall variety] has morning shade from avocados, late afternoon shade from Eucalyptus. To the North, the house cuts sun, to the South, a fence and cyprus trees filter/cut sun. This tree bears fruit nearly year round ......See MoreDwarf Nagami kumquat slow to grow
Comments (11)I would say it might get to 4' max, but that could take several more years, as not only will 'Flying Dragon' reduce the overall mature size of a tree, it also will make the tree reach maturity more slowily. And, actually maximum growth for a citrus cultivar (in general) on standard rootstocks is acheived at about 5 years, not 10, Josh. A little longer (maybe a year or two) on semi-dwarfing rootstocks. All tree cultivars have different maturity rates :-) A tree continues to grow, but not necessarily in height once it's met its maximum height potential. And of course environmental factors play a big part in growth rate for sure. Optimal conditions provide the most rapid growth rate (as you can see with John M's Meyer lemons on a very vigorous rootstock in great soil, and being extremely well maintained). My yard, not so much on DG, imperfect watering, and fertilizers that tend to leach quickly down in my poor soil. Plus, battling Phytothphora to varying degrees. So, my trees grow more slowly, in comparison. And that's the generalization. I have two Four Winds trees on Cuban Shaddock (almost as dwarfing as 'Flying Dragon') that are 3 years old and are about 2 1/2 to 3' tall (Clemnules and California Honey mandarins). Right next to another Four Winds tree also on Cuban Shaddock that is about 4 1/2' tall and growing like a banshee with the wickedest thorns you've ever seen (Red Smith Valencia). They are all within 10' of each other. Same fertilizing schedule, same pest treatment schedule, same drips, same sun exposure. So, there is also variability within cultivars, and within each individual tree :-) Not probably the answer you wanted, but the most realistic answer I can provide. Patty S....See MoreNagami Kumquat Tree - why hardly any fruit?
Comments (1)Hi Scuzzynutty, I have this same problem with my potted dwarf keylime. My other potted citrus flower and produce many fruit so I know it isn't a potting issue. Mike told me that it may be as simple as having to hand pollinate the flowers. I know that citrus are supposed to be self fertile but some citrus need more help to set fruits. I would try this first and see what results you end up with first. It may be a lot easier than having to plant in the ground or removing the espalier. I have seen citrus potted in espalier and they were LOADED with fruits. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Andrew...See MoreIs anything wrong with my Nagami kumquat?
Comments (7)You need to be careful on indoor citrus plant feeding. Citrus needs heat, light, and a food water solution. If the plants are missing either warmth or light then food (water solution) can be harmful. The light/growing box picture above is two stories so the plants at the bottom get light 2 hours before the citrus plants on the 2nd story. This heats the floor that the citrus pots sit to about 80 F, while the lights over the citrus warms the trees to 90 F-100 F. Even this way you will have to be very careful on root feeding. I spray the foliage with a 105 F solution of 1/3 strength 30-10-10 Miracid with micros about 3 times a day. It is so dry in the winter that the stems dry out fast enough that the plants don't get sick. Click on the link below to see what a typical tree grown like this would look like. It is a 49 week old, seed grown sweetlee tangerine tree. I realize that this setup is not what you want but having the tree in the white corner with the light in front will work closely to what I have. I would lean towards some foliar feeding with warm solution and minimal root feeding. You will get the hang of what it takes to produce fruit in the winter. I have gotten sweet delicious figs under lights. My seed grown citrus are too young to fruit. Here is a link that might be useful:...See MoreAuntieJenny (z9/19 SoCal)
5 years ago
PROHome
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Kumquats for a Juiced-Up Winter
Grow it for the edible fruit or its good looks alone. This citrus cousin will brighten any gray winter day
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESDwarf Citrus Trees Offer Miniature Size With Maximum Flavor
Find out how to grow the fruit you love in a smaller space
Full StoryFALL GARDENING5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers
Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGGrow a Lush Privacy Screen
No need to wait forever for patio privacy the green way. These 10 ideas will get your screening up and running in no time
Full Story
EARTH DAYGrow a Beautiful Garden With Ecofriendly Greywater
Reducing home water waste means lower bills and a healthier planet. Here's how to set up a greywater home irrigation system that can help
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDESGot Allergies? 9 Plants to Avoid and What to Grow Instead
Having allergies doesn’t need to mean giving up your garden. Here are some options that will let you garden sneeze-free
Full Story
FRUIT TREESHow to Grow Your Own Persimmons
Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow Your Own Peaches and Nectarines
Make gardening a little sweeter with these juicy fruits, which you can eat after plucking or preserve for later
Full Story
FARM YOUR YARD10 Easy Edibles to Grow in Containers
These herbs, vegetables and fruits are just as happy in a pot as they are in the ground
Full Story
Laura LaRosa (7b)