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Nagami Oval Kumquat Tree

Regular price
$49.00
Regular price
Sale price
$49.00
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The classic oval kumquat: tangy, frost-tough and full of bright orange fruit all winter.

Nagami is the kumquat most people picture. The fruit is olive-sized, glowing orange and eaten whole, skin and all. The thin rind is mildly sweet and fragrant, then the juice bursts with a sharp, zesty tang. It's the kumquat cooks and marmalade makers reach for, and one of the toughest citrus trees you can grow in New Zealand. That tang is the point. Nagami makes a glowing, bittersweet marmalade and some of the best candied kumquats you'll taste. Halve them into salads, roast them with duck or pork, simmer them into syrup for desserts, or drop a few into a gin and tonic. A mature tree is a prolific cropper, so there's plenty to experiment with.

A symbol of good fortune

In Chinese tradition, a kumquat tree laden with golden fruit symbolises prosperity and good luck, and it's a favourite Lunar New Year gift. It also makes a thoughtful housewarming or new-business present.

Growing tips

  • Plant in full sun (6+ hours a day) in free-draining soil or good potting mix.
  • Feed with a citrus fertiliser that includes trace elements, because kumquats are especially prone to zinc deficiency.
  • In colder areas, cover young trees with frost cloth for their first couple of winters. New growth and fruit are more tender than the tree itself.
  • It flowers in summer, after spring frosts have passed, and the fruit ripens through winter into spring.

Grown and shipped nationwide from our Kerikeri nursery. Choose Flying Dragon for a true dwarf tree or Rubidoux for a slightly larger semi-dwarf.

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Citrus Care Tips

Watering: Citrus plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil and weather conditions. Water the plant until the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and drop.

Fertilising: Feed citrus plants with a balanced fertiliser (such as a 10-10-10 formula) every month during the growing season (spring and summer). Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertiliser or a liquid fertiliser. Citrus plants also benefit from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.

Pruning: Prune citrus plants to remove dead or damaged branches, and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts.

Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites, which can damage citrus plants. These pests can be controlled through the use of natural methods such as introducing beneficial insects, or by using pesticides as a last resort

Sunlight: Citrus plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. In most cases, a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. 

 Soil: Citrus plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. If your soil is not suitable, you can improve it by adding compost or peat moss to increase the organic matter content.

Pollination: Citrus plants are self-pollinating, which means that they do not need to be pollinated by another plant in order to produce fruit. However, the presence of bees and other pollinators can help to improve the quality and quantity of fruit. To attract pollinators, consider planting flowering plants near your citrus trees.

Temperature: Citrus plants thrive in warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, as long as they are protected from frost. 

Mulching: Mulch around the base of your citrus plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a mulch that is well-draining, such as wood chips or pine needles. Avoid using a mulch that is too thick, as this can prevent water and air from reaching the roots.

Pruning for fruit production: To encourage fruit production, prune your citrus plant to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any branches that are diseased or damaged.

Pesticide use: If you need to use pesticides on your citrus plant, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid exposure. Avoid applying pesticides when pollinators are present, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling pesticides.
Nagami oval kumquat fruit - grafted kumquat tree NZ


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