Page 16 - Edible Trees For Tucson

Kumquat Rutaceae

Fortunella margarita and japonica

D ESCRIPTI O N
Kumquats are evergreen citrus relatives and
grow to a low-moderate size. Three different
species of kumquat are grown for their fruit. The
trees have a long, winter dormancy period and
are considered to be among the most cold-hardy
of the citrus, frost tolerant to 10ºF.

E THN O B O T ANI CAL N O TES

• Kumquats are native in the region from
eastern Asia to southern China.
• They were introduced to Europe in 1846,
and shortly thereafter to North America.
• Kumquats are currently cultivated in China,
Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle
East, Europe (notably Corfu, Greece) and
the southern United States.

P L ANTIN G N O TES

• Chill hours: None required
• Height/Width: 8-15 feet tall; 5-10 feet wide
• Lifespan: 50+ years
• Water needs: Kumquat trees need about 4-6
inches of water per month in the summer;
they are generally not drought tolerant.
• Kumquats grow well in pots.

16