Kumquat appeared on the shelves of Russian stores quite recently. It is a bright orange tropical fruit. It belongs to the citrus family. In terms of taste and healthiness, the fruit of this amazing fruit is not inferior to any other citrus.
The kumquat tree is always green. It reaches no more than two meters in height. And if you prune in time, the tree will grow to the sides and resemble a shrub. The height of the tree also depends on the size of the pot in which it was planted..
Having provided the necessary conditions, it is possible to grow a kumquat at home. Let's talk in more detail about the features of growing this exotic plant at home.
In which regions is Kumquat grown
This fruit was first grown in China. It is now grown in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.
For a long time, it was not possible to grow kumquats in regions with a cool climate. The seeds were difficult to germinate, and if this happened, the cuttings died due to the weak root system. It was possible to achieve the reproduction of this plant only thanks to grafting. INa tree of a kumquat tree has taken root on one of the frost-resistant citrus fruits - a three-leaf poncirus... After that, the kumquat survived even at a temperature of -18 ℃.
It's worth noting that the taste of fruits grown in colder areas is not as sweet as in China.
Now this exotic fruit is grown in the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, Ukraine.
In the Moscow region and Central Russia, kumquat can be grown at home or in a greenhouse... However, even in the south, it is rarely planted in the ground, preferring "home care".
Requirements for the suburban area
The suburban area where it is planned to grow the Kumquat should be well lit.
Protect the plant from direct sunlight on a hot summer day. It is important to provide diffused light. Otherwise, the direct rays of the sun can cause the tree to shed most of the foliage.
The kumquat tree loves moderate moisture around it... To water this plant correctly, it is recommended to install an automatic watering system at the summer cottage. It should be remembered that the plant can die if it is flooded with water.
If the air temperature is low or moderate, it is recommended to water the plant every 2-3 days, or less often... In hot weather (+ 20-25 ° C), water the tree every day.
From large temperature changes, the tree can shed its leaves. Therefore, it is necessary to provide conditions at the summer cottage in such a way as to avoid temperature drops.
The tree will feel great if it is watered with water heated in the sun. To do this, you can draw water into an iron barrel, let it settle and warm up in the sun. Then use it for watering the plant.
As for the soil for planting this tree, you can purchase soil designed for growing citrus fruits. Also you can cook special soil yourself... It is necessary to mix sod land, garden fertile soil, rotted manure, or leaf humus and sand.
In what season and by what methods is it recommended to plant and propagate the Kumquat tree
Kumquat can be grown from seed. For this, the ripe fruit is chosen. Seeds are extracted from it. And soak them in any growth stimulant. Seeds are planted to a depth of 1.5-2 cm in pots up to 8 cm in diameter... Cover the pot with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place. The first shoots can be expected 35-40 days after planting.
And this fruit is propagated by the following methods:
- Through vaccinations
- By cuttings
- Layers
Experienced citrus growers prefer to propagate it by cuttings or layering.
The most favorable time for kumquat propagation by cuttings is April... A tree planted at this time of year will take root better and get stronger faster.
Cuttings for planting must be prepared before winter. At least three kidneys are left on them. Cut the cuttings 0.5 cm below the last bud perpendicularly. The upper cut is made obliquely 1 cm higher from the kidney. In order for the cutting to take root, it is planted in a previously prepared soil for citrus fruits, to a depth of 1.5-2 cm and cover with a glass jar. It is important to provide the future tree with optimal moisture and sufficient watering.
For tree propagation by layering, the spring season is also chosen.... To do this, take annual shoots 20 cm long and 0.5 cm thick.At a height of 10 cm, two cuts are made on the bark of the shoot every 1 cm. The bark is removed and the leaves are removed at a height of 5 cm. A plastic bag with earth is tied to this section of the shoot.
In order for the cuttings to take root faster, the soil must be constantly moistened.
Features of growing and care
The kumquat tree needs to be constantly watered and sprayed with warm, settled water. If this is not done, the plant can get sick or die from various pests.
In order for the kumquat to grow evenly, gardeners turn the pot with a tree around its axis by 10 degrees every 8-9 days.
In the summer season, the tree is kept in partial shade. And in winter, on gloomy days, additional lighting is required.
It is necessary to fertilize the tree 2-3 times a month in the spring, summer and autumn seasons.... In the last months of autumn, as well as in winter, fertilization is necessary no more than once a month. An aqueous solution of mineral fertilizers is used as a fertilizer. Prepare it as follows: in 1 l. water dissolve 2-3 gr. ammonium nitrate, 1-2 gr. potassium salt and 4-6 simple superphosphate.
It is also helpful to fertilize the wood with a wood ash solution.
In spring and summer, it is recommended to feed the plant with slurry: 1 part of cow dung is diluted in 10 parts of water. This type of feeding should be alternated with mineral fertilizers.
It is recommended to replant the Kumquat tree every 3 years.... This must be done at the end of February or in March. It is important to transplant very carefully. It is required to preserve a whole lump of earth, entwined with roots. The drainage at the new tree planting location needs to be renewed.
When replanting, the tree should not be planted deeply. After transplantation, it is recommended to spray and water it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Pruning rules
In the spring, when the crown of the plant is actively forming, it is necessary to prune the tree. The growth of the tree should be uniform on all sides. Pruning must be done when new shoots have appeared on it. That is, the tree must be in an active growth phase. Only the woody part is important to trim... Only in this case the tree slows down its growth and throws out side shoots.
After pruning, dormant buds are activated, forming shoots. Future shoots must be tied up so that the bush has a fan-shaped shape. Wounds must be treated with garden varnish... This is done in order to quickly heal the wounds, and also to prevent the entry of infection. A year after pruning, the tree will have an almost perfect crown.
Enemies of this plant
The main enemies of the tree are sucking, gnawing parasites.
The most famous of them:
- Spider mite
- Shield
If white dots appear on the underside of the leaves, as well as if the leaves are twisted and entangled in white cobwebs, this is signs of a spider mite attack.
To combat it, take a tablespoon of tobacco dust, pour a glass of hot water and add 10 grams after 6 days. laundry soap. The resulting solution is used to treat the tree 3 times with an interval of 6 days.
Garlic also helps rid the tree of this parasite. The head of garlic is crushed and steamed in one glass of boiling water. This solution is insisted for about two days. Then the plant is filtered and treated with it.
Leaves affected by scabies, covered with sticky gum and have a black coating. You can fight this parasite with a mixture of one teaspoon of machine oil, stirred in a glass of warm water with 40 grams. laundry soap and 2 tbsp. spoons of powder for washing.
Before proceeding with the processing of wood with the resulting mixture, it is necessary to cover the ground with a film. The mixture must not be allowed to enter the ground... Gently wipe the leaves and branches of the affected tree with a cotton swab. It is necessary to wash off the applied solution after 3-4 hours under the shower. After 6 days, the procedure must be repeated.
What varieties are grown at home
There are some types of tree that can be grown at home:
- Kumquat Nagami - one of the most common types. It differs from other varieties in sweet fruits, reminiscent of an olive.
- Kumquat Japonica (this variety is also called Kumquat Meiva) - the fruit is yellow-orange in color, very similar to a lemon. Shrub with oval leaves and short thorns. This variety is frost-resistant. It is grown in the south of Russia in the open field.
- Kumquat Fukushi - the fruits are very tasty and sweet.
There are also many kumquat hybrids. Some of them are presented below:
- Limequat - obtained from lime and kumquat
- Oranjevat - obtained from orange and kumquat
- Lemonquat - lemon crossed with kumquat
- Calamondin - from mandarin and kumquat
Conclusion
Kumquat is a beautiful plant that produces unusual small fruits. Differs from citrus fruits in that it is eaten with the peel... It is quite difficult to grow it at home, because it requires a lot of attention and is extremely whimsical. But those lucky ones who managed to provide the necessary conditions and care for this tree know for sure that it was worth it.