Nagami Sour Kumquat Tree (Height: 2 - 3 FT Shape: Standard)
Nagami kumquat trees, botanical name Fortunella margarita or Citrus margarita, are fruit-bearing, evergreen citrus trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae. These kumquat trees are a cold/drought tolerant and pest resistant. Nagami kumquat trees are small citrus trees that have an overall rounded shape or vase-like canopy and dense, glossy green foliage that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet and 6 ft wide. They have been naturalized in South America but kumquat trees are said to have originated in China and have been propagated since the 121th century AD. The kumquat trees are an important ingredient is traditional Japanese cooking. The Nagami kumquat tree was first introduced in America in 1855 via Japan and was primarily used for aesthetic purposes. The growth of the Asian population gave birth to culinary market for this citrus fruit. Like many dwarf citrus trees, the kumquat tree is self-pollinating and has beautiful, fragrant white flowers that turn into olive-sized, sweet and tart orange fruits. The oval shaped fruits have a smooth pebbled surface and the edible sweet rind and flesh delivers a tart and juicy flavor similar to that of lemon. When eaten whole, you’ll get to enjoy the sweet-tart flavor of this fruit. Because of its versatile flavor, Nagami kumquats are used in both sweet and savory preparations. It can be paired with other citrus fruits, nuts, seafood, salad greens, jellies, ice cream, and many cuts of poultry, fish, and meat. Just like other citrus trees, kumquat trees are rarely if ever grown from seed. Rather they are propagated by air layering, cuttings and using rootstock of other citrus trees. Kumquat’s can be grown in the ground in USDA growing zones 8 – 11 but can be planted in a pots in colder zones.