Kumquat Grosso

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rutaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Fortunella

Species

margarita

Description

Perennial and evergreen citrus plant. The size it has reached and its developed habitus make it suitable for use mainly in pots where it will provide 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.

Variety description

Citrus fruit characterised by small fruits. It has a dual aptitude but mainly for ornamental purposes. Its management is simple. Abundant fruit production.

Curiosities 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 distribution

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), of which the best known is Fortunella margarita.

Flower size

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

Leaf

The leaves have a shiny lanceolate lamina.

Fruit

The fruit is a globular shaped hesperidium weighing between 8 and 20 g, with a length of 3 to 6 cm, diameter of 2 to 400 cm and width of 2 to 3 cm, characterised by a medium consistency. The skin is smooth and the colour is unicoloured. From a sensory point of view, the fruit has a strong taste and a sweet-and-sour flavour with an intense aroma. Ripening takes place in the period from early winter to late winter. The qualitative aspect is characterised by a pronounced sweetness, and this variety is distinguished by good organoleptic characteristics according to the technician's consideration.

Flowering period

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

Leaf colour

Even tone, slightly lighter on the lower page.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies between 1 and 2 m, which is smaller than the average for other citrus species.

Lifespan

Small evergreen polyennial tree.

Where to plant

Due to its developed habit and ornamental value, it is mainly indicated as a pot plant

Stem

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

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a globular corolla and single-coloured petals. It blooms from 15 to 25 days. It exudes a citrusy, penetrating scent. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety of indeterminate growth.

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.

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.

Sun exposure

Proper exposure to sunlight is of primary importance for proper vegetative growth followed by luxuriant flowering and fruiting; it is advisable to place the plant in full sun, sheltered from intense wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between e °C. The vital temperature is between e °C

Use

Generally a dual-purpose species, both decorative and productive; the variety is indicated for use in

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

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.

Difficulty

A plant that is easy to cultivate, the level of management effort required is medium following complete establishment in the new planting site.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips useful for proper development:

With too little light, plants do not flower Avoid over-watering

Pruning

Sprout branches that are too long during growth.

Propagation

Multiplication is by grafting.

Watering

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.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation with slow-release organo-mineral fertiliser. Subsequently, 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, without exceeding the doses and frequencies.

Edibility for humans

Edible species.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known, consider specific case.

Tip

It is advisable to keep the foliage at its centre aerated to prevent cochineal from appearing.