Citrus japonica (Kumquat)

Botanical name

Citrus japonica

Other names

Marumi kumquat, Citrus japonica, Citrus madurensis, Fortunella margarita, Nagami kumquat, Oval kumquat, Citrus x nobilis var. inermis, Citrus kinokuni, Citrus kumquat, Kumquat, Fortunella x crassifolia

Genus

Citrus Citrus

Species

C. japonica - C. japonica is a large, spiny, evergreen shrub with glossy, lance-shaped leaves and fragrant, white flowers in spring and summer followed by small, edible orange fruits in late summer and autumn.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Rounded to broadly spreading

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Glasshouse whitefly , Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Citrus japonica (Kumquat) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Cake decoration, Conservatory, Containers, Flavouring food and drinks, Indoor, Mediterranean

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely & feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress in spring.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Citrus japonica (Kumquat)

Common pest name

Acorn disease; Citrus little leaf; Citrus stubborn disease; Little leaf of citrus; Stubborn disease of citrus

Scientific pest name

Spiroplasma citri

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Bacterial pest affecting citrus and field vegetables now present in parts of the EU. Carrots are the main crop potentially at risk; but main vectors responsible for transmission are unlikely to establish in the UK. EU regulations should be updated to reflect extended host range. Industry may be interested in pursuing research to investigate impacts on field vegetables.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Citrus japonica (Kumquat)

Common pest name

South African citrus thrips

Scientific pest name

Scirtothrips aurantii

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest mainly associated with Citrus in South Africa; occasionally intercepted with cut flowers. EU listing should be updated to reflect interception findings.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/