Dwarf fruit trees provide normal sized fruit on smaller trees, putting delicious treats on the family table without the space maintenance issues involved in growing trees that are hexagonal. Kumquat fruit is very welcome at home gardens because it ripens in midwinter, when people are longing for locally grown fresh fruit. Dwarf kumquat trees have been created by grafting scion wood to dwarf rootstocks. The magnitude of the tree is dependent upon the type of rootstock used. Most dwarf trees vary from 8 to 10 feet tall, suitable for small backyards or containers on patios and balconies.
The Nagami Kumquat
The Nagami kumquat (Fortunella margarita) is one of the more frost-tolerant of this dwarf kumquat trees. Its aromatic spring flowers, bush-like growth pattern and cold tolerance make it ideal for container gardening. Even though it’s readily grown in the earth, many gardeners prefer to maintain the Nagami kumquat as near to their homes as you can, as a result of its many aesthetic attributes and easy accessibility to its delicious delights.
The Fukushu Kumquat
With proper pruning, this delightful little citrus tree may remain bushy and complete at just 3 feet tall, although it is going to grow up to 10 feet high when left unaffected by pruning shears. The Fukushu kumquat (Fortunella obovata) may live indoors in bright windows or home greenhouses, but gardeners must take it out to sunbathe on balconies and patios during sunny summer season. The Fukushu kumquat’s attractive symmetrical growth pattern and dark, glossy evergreen leaves make it an option for a landscape specimen.
The Meiwa Kumquat
With sweeter and rounder fruit than other dwarf kumquat varieties, the Meiwa kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia) lends itself particularly well to raw intake. As with other kumquats, it may be popped into the mouth rind and all, and seedless varieties exist which produce doing so even more inviting. The increase pattern on the Meiwa kumquat is more pyramidal and upright than other dwarf forms. Fruit production is more plentiful in warmer locations.
The Marumi Kumquat
The magnitude and growth pattern of this Marumi kumquat (Fortunella japonica) are like that of this Nagami, except that the leaves are significantly smaller and the fruit is rounder. Given as a great luck charm in Oriental countries, the Marumi kumquat is frequently cultivated as an indoor plant despite its cold-hardy properties. Easily kept under 2 feet tall by judicious pruning, it’s frequently used for bonsai. Considered the most appealing and cold tolerant of this dwarf kumquat trees, the Marumi kumquat additionally produces fruit many times per year. The fruit is used for making marmalades, jellies and cordials.
Caring for Kumquats
Dwarf kumquats flourish in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10, and may be grown outdoors in zone 8 with cautious care and attention. Container grown dwarf kumquat trees can be moved indoors when winter temperatures plummet, as long as they’re supplied with an adequate source of lighting. Bright, direct lighting is ideal for indoor farming, but ample indirect lighting will suffice.