Kumquat planting methods and precautions

Kumquat 's small plant shape also makes it a popular choice for potted ornamental plants , symbolizing the gathering of wealth. Especially during the Spring Festival, it is one of the common decorative potted plants. Kumquat is evergreen all year round, with a flowering period from March to September, with multiple blooms, and a fruiting period from October to December, with the fruit ripening just around the Spring Festival to early spring. Let’s learn about the kumquat planting methods and precautions below.

1. Choose the right flower pot and soil

Kumquats prefer larger, more breathable pots, such as large clay pots or planting boxes, which should not be too deep. The soil should be loose, breathable, slightly acidic. You can use garden soil, peat soil and leaf mold mixed in a certain proportion, or mix garden soil with nutrient soil, and add fermented organic fertilizer as base fertilizer when potting.

2. Ensure adequate lighting

Kumquat needs sufficient light, at least full sun or half sun. Insufficient light will result in reduced flowering or even no fruiting.

3. Reasonable fertilization and watering

Kumquat can bloom continuously from spring to autumn and bear many fruits. Sufficient fertilizer and water can make the fruits bigger and sweeter. Solid fermented organic fertilizer should be applied twice a year to ground-grown kumquats, and fermented organic fertilizer should be applied once every two months to potted kumquats. In spring and autumn, bone meal fertilizer can be added to promote flowering and fruiting. When watering, wait until the soil surface becomes dry to a depth of 1 cm and then water thoroughly to avoid water accumulation to prevent flowers and fruits from falling. If the soil is too dry in summer, you can use the pot immersion method to replenish water.

4. Pruning and pest control

Kumquat has a moderate growth rate and can be shaped and pruned after the fruits are harvested in spring. Pay attention to shortening the overgrown branches in summer. Kumquats are less susceptible to diseases and pests, but the environment needs to be kept ventilated. If ventilation is poor, it may be infected with spider mites and sooty mold. Red spider mites can be treated by washing with water or spraying with medicine.

Kumquat prefers a warm and humid environment, so during the maintenance process, the environment must be kept warm and humid, while avoiding root rot caused by stagnant water. Adequate sunlight helps enhance photosynthesis and improve fruit quality. During the seedling stage, attention should be paid to shading in summer and protection from cold in winter. When the temperature is below 5℃, insulation measures should be taken.