What are the key points to note when growing kumquats? An interpretation of the latest cultivation essentials
The kumquat is a fruit of the genus Fortunella, and its shape closely resembles a miniature version of an orange, which is why many people call it a little orange. Guangdong, China, is the region with the longest history of kumquat cultivation. When the fruit of the kumquat ripens, it turns golden yellow and has a very rich fragrance, giving it relatively high ornamental value. It is also rich in vitamin C and can be used to stimulate the appetite and care for the skin, so its economic value as a crop is fairly considerable. So what aspects need attention during the process of growing kumquats? Let's take a look together!
1. Pruning
The kumquat plant is relatively short, basically not exceeding 3 m, and proper pruning during cultivation is the key to ensuring a high yield. Water sprouts, dead branches, diseased branches and other useless branches should be pruned away. Keep about four well-growing fruiting branches, leave no more than three flower buds on each branch, and prune the rest. The purpose is to control the tree shape and increase yield. During the flowering period, excess flowers should also be pruned away to reduce nutrient supply.
2. Watering
⟦NL>The kumquat likes water but is not tolerant of waterlogging. If the orchard accumulates too much water, it easily causes waterlogged roots to rot, so during cultivation an appropriate level of moisture must be maintained. In the dry environment of spring, spray water on the leaf surface at least once a day to raise the relative humidity in the air. In summer, water at least twice a day. During the flowering period, watering should be avoided to prevent the flowers from rotting on contact with water and affecting yield.3. Fertilizing
From sowing to mature fruiting, the kumquat needs a large amount of nutrients, and it is a fruit that relatively likes fertilizer. Before planting, apply enough base fertilizer and mix it thoroughly with the soil to improve soil fertility, promote nutrient uptake by kumquat seedlings and speed up growth. In summer, apply more phosphorus fertilizer, which is beneficial for flower bud formation and the number of fruits set. Topdress appropriately according to growth speed and soil fertility, and do not apply a single fertilizer in a biased or excessive way, as this will have a certain effect on kumquat growth.
4. Pest control
Based on China's long experience in growing kumquats, no disease phenomena have appeared so far, and only pests harm kumquat growth. However, this does not mean that kumquats are free from disease threats. Everyone should regularly disinfect the orchard, clear away dead and diseased branches, and do a good job of orchard cleanup in winter. For pest control, pesticides such as dichlorvos can be sprayed to kill insect eggs. If any abnormal situation is found, inspect it promptly and take corresponding measures.
5. Light
Kumquat growth requires a large amount of light time, so when planting, choose a place with sufficient sunlight as much as possible. If there is not enough sunlight, the branches and leaves of the kumquat will grow excessively, affecting its flowering and fruit set rate. However, light intensity should not be too strong. For example, in summer, appropriate shading work should be done for the plant, shading it at noon when light intensity is greatest, and then the shading facilities can be removed in the afternoon. During continuous overcast and rainy weather without light, artificial supplementary lighting is needed.
The five points above are the things we need to pay attention to when growing kumquats. Although no diseases have occurred, everyone should still be prepared. Diseases that harm fruit generally include anthracnose and canker, among others, so learn about disease management to avoid being at a loss if disease occurs. Kumquats still have a certain market, and those with the conditions can give them a try. If you want to learn more related information, please continue to follow Qinnong Network!