Kumquat (Fortunella margarita): plant profile

Scientific Classification

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rutaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Fortunella

Species

margarita

Key information

Description

Perennial and evergreen citrus plant. Its achieved size and developed habitus make it suitable for use mainly in pots where it will give ornamental as well as productive value. Spring flowering is followed by the production of small fruits with an edible skin and a distinctive intense aroma. Suitable for full sun exposition, it adapts to different soil conditions as long as they are well drained.

Varietal description

Citrus plant characterised by small fruits. Not very resistant to low temperatures. Easy to manage and consistent and abundant production every year.

Origin and History

curiosity and special features

The Chinese mandarin, a source of antioxidants that are also present in the edible peel, is prized for fresh consumption as well as for lending a unique sensory accent to candied fruits, desserts, jams and sauces; hesperidium is also used in cosmetics in creams and serums to combat skin ageing.

The name kumquat comes from the Cantonese kam kwat, meaning 'golden orange' in reference to the value and bright hue of its fruit, considered in Chinese culture to be a symbol of prosperity and wealth.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the geographic range extending from south-eastern China to the province of Hainan; described as early as the 12th century and long cultivated in Japan, it was introduced to Europe in 1846 at the request of the London Horticultural Society by the British botanist Robert Fortune, in whose honour the epithet Fortunella is derived. There are several varieties of Chinese mandarin, distinguished mainly by the shape of the fruit (hesperidium), the best known of these being Fortunella margarita.

Main features

Flower size

The flower is small, lending elegance and refinement to the spring bloom.

Leaf

The leaves have a shiny lanceolate lamina.

Fruit/product

The fruit is an oval-shaped hesperidium, 1 to 2 cm wide, 3 to 4 cm long and 1 to 2.5 cm in diameter; it weighs 8 to 14 g and is 5 mm thick, with a firm consistency. The colouring is solid and the skin is smooth. The ripening period extends from late winter to late spring. From a sensory point of view, the fruit contains a sugar content of 10 °Brix, with a bitter flavour, intense aroma and strong taste. Qualitatively, it is characterised by a good shelf life; it is a variety with good organoleptic characteristics.

Flowering period

The variety flowers from early spring to late spring for a duration of 15 to 25 days.

Leaf color

Even tone, slightly lighter on the lower page.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 4 m, smaller than the average for other citrus species.

Lifespan

Small evergreen polyennial tree.

Stem/stem

The stem is woody with smooth bark; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is small in size with single-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 15 and 25 days. It exudes a citrus scent with an intense aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Globular growing variety.

Plant habit

The bushy habitus with rounded oval foliage lends additional ornamental value to the variety.

branching

Abundant branching allows for a balanced relationship between canopy development and fruit production.

Conditions required

pH

The pH of the soil or substrate required for kumquats varies from acidic to neutral, with ideal values between 4.5 and 7.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting, make a trench proportionate to the size of the root ball by removing any bulky stones, ploughing in organic matter and, if the soil has poor drainage and is too compact, adding sand.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 35 °C

Soil/medium

A medium-textured soil with organic matter and good drainage will allow proper root development and consequently of the entire plant; for use in pots, a specific soil for citrus fruits containing peat and clay granules is recommended.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips useful for proper development:

With little light, plants do not flower

Cures and Adversities

planting

A suitable planting pattern is of primary importance to obtain a correct vegetative development and a luxuriant flowering with subsequent abundant fructification, in this regard we recommend an average density of 800 plants per hectare in consideration of the height reached at maturity and the plant's bearing. We suggest transplanting on non-dry soil by staking the hole walls to encourage better root development, also avoid sinking the root ball completely, keeping the collar off the soil surface, and water immediately after planting. For some varieties, tie the stem to appropriate supports.

pruning

Sprout branches that are too long during growth.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication is by grafting.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water, either manually or by irrigation. When transplanting, carry out an initial thorough wetting and assist the plant to ensure that it takes root properly in its new site, keeping it at a constant humidity. Afterwards, allow the soil or substrate to dry slightly between watering, keeping it constantly moist but free of stagnation and prevent water stress to avoid splitting the fruit. Always check the moisture level of the soil or substrate and carefully observe the turgidity of the leaves as they are representative of the plant's water requirements.

Fertilization

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation with slow-release organo-mineral fertiliser. Then, from spring until the end of autumn, to ensure uniform growth, apply a granular or water-soluble organo-mineral fertiliser specifically for citrus plants regularly to the soil or substrate, but without exceeding the doses and frequencies.