You Don't Need A Big Yard To Grow This Unique Citrus Tree - You Can Do It Indoors

Some fruit trees require lots of space to produce a harvest, but not the mighty kumquat (Citrus japonica). Nearly everything about this tree is little and cute, from its short stature to the grape-size fruits you can pop into your mouth, peel and all. Plus, it can handle living inside if it gets a full day of light by a sunny window. This makes it an excellent choice for apartment dwellers, homeowners with small yards, and those living outside the ideal USDA hardiness zones for outdoor kumquat growth.

To help keep your citrus tree happy and healthy indoors, select a cultivar suited to these growing conditions. Look for container-friendly plants with compact growth habits, and research how tall different varieties are likely to get. Kumquat trees grown as houseplants are often 3 to 4 feet tall, but varieties such as 'Nagami' tend to reach a height of just 2 feet. This means you can grow this plant on a countertop or coffee table if you're low on space. Its fruits are sizable and sweet, with a hint of tartness.

If you detest picking seeds from your fruit, consider 'Meiwa,' which has fewer seeds than most other cultivars. This dwarf variety can grow as tall as 6 feet under ideal conditions, but pruning it to a shorter height is an option. It's usually content living in a pot. Or, for an indoor fruit tree you can harvest all year round, consider the 'Calamondin.' No matter which variety you choose, plant it in a roomy container with drainage holes and tend to its soil and water needs.

You can grow a kumquat tree from a seed or sprout, but it will be quite a while before you see any fruit. Instead, purchase a juvenile tree from a reputable grower. When you bring it home, plant it in a pot filled with slightly acidic soil. Consider a citrus-specific growing medium suitable for containers. One example is Soil Sunrise Citrus Tree Potting Soil Mix. Water your tree moderately and make sure its soil drains properly. Apply fertilizer designed for citrus trees in February, May, and August. Epsoma Citrus Tone Organic 5-2-6 Plant Food is a solid choice. Happy kumquat trees produce sweet-smelling white flowers in late spring, and many offer ripe fruit as soon as October. If you're lucky, they'll continue making fruit until March. 

Place your tree where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, and turn the container a few inches every week to encourage even growth. Meet your tree's humidity needs by misting its leaves. Also ensure that air can flow freely around it, which helps prevent mold. If the air's a bit stale, run a fan near your plant, and if it's too dry, a humidifier can help. Knowing when to prune citrus trees is essential, as is establishing a regular pruning schedule. Indoor kumquat trees generally appreciate a springtime pruning session. If any branches on your kumquat tree look unhealthy or bump together, remove them with sharp shears. Want to prune your houseplants like the pros do? Snip away stems that aren't sprouting leaves, keeping symmetry in mind as you go.