How should a potted kumquat be grown? Are the fruits it produces edible?

During the Chinese New Year in the Hong Kong, China region, a kind of small kumquat with golden skin and a fresh fragrance is very popular among residents and is an excellent choice for potted plants. So how should a potted kumquat be grown? Are the fruits it produces edible?

1. Basic facts about the kumquat

1. The origin and other names of the kumquat

The kumquat (Fortunella margarita) is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to three meters tall. It is also called jinzao, jindan, jindan, jingan, mashuiju, jinju, crisp-skinned mandarin and so on. It is widely distributed along the southeast coast of China, in South China and along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and Guangdong is even known as the “home of the kumquat”.

2. The morphology of the kumquat

The kumquat is usually around 3 m tall; this evergreen tree species usually has no thorns and is fairly heavily branched. The leaves of the kumquat are lanceolate to oblong, dark green on the upper surface and green beneath, with inconspicuous fine serrations along the leaf margins. The flowers of the kumquat are fragrant and white, and the golden-yellow fruit rind is thick and covered with many glandular dots.

3. The value of the kumquat

(1) Ornamental value of the kumquat: the kumquat has luxuriant branches and leaves, a graceful tree shape, fragrant fruit and a long fruit-bearing period. Whether it is covered with white flowers in summer or laden with ripe fruit in autumn and winter, it is very attractive.

(2) Food value of the kumquat: the kumquat is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and kumquat glycosides, and has good effects on slowing vascular hardening, promoting fluid production and sobering one up, and aiding digestion and resolving phlegm.

(3) Health value of the kumquat: the kumquat is sweet and warm in medicinal nature and has a certain effect on preventing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and vascular hardening. In addition, it can also prevent pigmentation, slow aging and so on.

2. How should a potted kumquat be grown?

The kumquat is a plant that likes sunlight and a warm, humid environment, so when growing kumquats in pots you must pay attention to light, temperature, water and fertilizer, among other things. Below, the editor of Tuliu.com gives a detailed introduction.

1. Light and temperature for growing kumquats must be moderate

When caring for a potted kumquat, it should be placed in a sunny spot so that photosynthesis is sufficient, the branches and leaves can be luxuriant, and flowering and fruiting will be better. However, during the high temperatures and strong sun of summer, be careful to shade the potted plant or move it to a cool, ventilated place. In winter, when temperatures are low, move it indoors, but be careful not to place it in an air-conditioned room with a high room temperature, otherwise it is easy to affect the flowering and fruiting of the following year.

2. Water and fertilizer for potted kumquats must be appropriate

If you make the potting soil yourself, it is best to use a slightly acidic sandy loam, and put thoroughly decomposed cake fertilizer at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer. If you buy the potted plant directly, apply some nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer during the growing season, and after flowering mainly use phosphorus fertilizer to promote fruiting. For watering the kumquat, just keep the soil moist. When the weather is dry, remember to spray some water on the leaves every day. In summer, generally water once every two or three days in the morning or evening, and note that during the flowering period there is no need to spray water on the leaf surfaces.

3. Pruning kumquat varieties must be timely

In addition to ensuring the overall plant remains attractive, pruning a potted kumquat can also help it bear more fruit. Generally, the first pruning is done before the spring buds sprout; at this time cut away dead, old, diseased and pest-damaged, overly dense and leggy branches, and simply keep healthy, well-balanced branches. When new shoots grow to more than ten centimeters, pinch out the growing tips, and after doing so it is best to apply a quick-acting phosphorus fertilizer. When young fruit appears on the branches, thin the fruit in time. In addition, autumn shoots should also be cut off in time to improve the ornamental quality of the potted kumquat.

4. Pest and disease control for potted kumquats

Pay attention to damage from kumquat canker, anthracnose, citrus swallowtail and other pests and diseases, and apply the corresponding agents in time for treatment. In addition, diseased and pest-damaged branches should also be removed so as not to affect other healthy branches.

3. Are the fruits borne by a potted kumquat tree edible?

The fruit borne by a potted kumquat can also be eaten. However, the fruit borne by potted plants is generally rather sour and astringent, not as sweet as that grown in fields, so it is generally not recommended to eat it. But if it is made into candied or salted kumquats, it is still fine.

After reading the editor of Tuliu.com's guide to caring for potted kumquats, are you a little tempted? Potted kumquats are not only attractive but also symbolize bringing in wealth and great good fortune, so friends who like them can also grow a pot at home!