Since the kumquat is not frost hardy, it is particularly suitable for planting in a container. This means she can stand outside in a warm summer and move comfortably into her winter quarters in the fall.
How do I plant a kumquat in a container?
To successfully plant a kumquat in a pot, you need a large plant pot, permeable and nutrient-rich soil without lime, avoid waterlogging and it is best to repot the plant in spring.
The right location
The kumquat likes it sunny and warm, then it also produces beautiful flowers and later juicy fruits. Ideal locations are sunny rooms, winter gardens, balconies or terraces on the south side of the house. Drafts should be avoided at all costs.
Propagate the kumquat tree
You can grow a kumquat tree from seeds relatively easily, but you then have to wait a few years for the first fruits. Ideally, you should use a heated propagation box in a bright, not too sunny location.
The best potting soil
The kumquat needs very nutrient-rich soil, preferably mixed with plenty of compost. She doesn't like lime at all. Therefore, please check the lime content of the soil used. To do this, you need test strips (€2.00 on Amazon), which you can buy at the pharmacy or drugstore.
It is recommended to add coarse leaf mold or peat substitute so that the substrate is well permeable to water, because the kumquat does not tolerate waterlogging. Nevertheless, it can be watered when the soil is still moist. From spring to autumn it needs a lot of water.
Planting the kumquat tree
Since the kumquat tree is not hardy, it should not be planted in the garden, but in a tub or large plant pot. In its homeland it reaches a size of up to five meters, but as a container plant it grows more like a bush and is hardly taller than one and a half meters.
You only need to repot your kumquat when the root ball almost completely fills the planter. Then choose a slightly larger container than the previous one so that the roots have enough space again.
The best planting time
The best time to plant or repot your kumquat is in the spring after winter dormancy. Ideally, the plant has not yet sprouted any new leaves. After flowering begins, it is better not to repot your kumquat.
The most important things in brief:
- large plant pot
- permeable soil
- no waterlogging
- repotting in spring
Tips & Tricks
Do not plant your kumquat in the garden, it is not frost hardy.
