Fortunella margarita Seeds | Kumquat Orange Bonsai
LATIN NAME: Fortunella margarita
COMMON NAME: Kumquat
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Kumquat (Fortunella margarita) stands out as a slow-growing, evergreen shrub in the rue family. Kumquat holds its small, oval, glossy, dark-green leaves and round, golden-orange fruits, and small, white, fragrant flowers open among the leaves. It is a shrub of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the rue family, Fortunella margarita contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Kumquat for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Kumquat is a fine, bright shrub of warm garden and study collection. It is a fine, bright shrub of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. Give young shrubs warmth and deep, rich bed, and golden fruits will come in years to come. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Kumquats are eaten skin and all, an unusual citrus habit that concentrates peel flavonoids and vitamin C in each bite; candied, they are a traditional sore-throat treat in East Asia.
Growing from Seed
Raising Kumquat from seed is straightforward. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Kumquat repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Kumquat often pair it with these related subjects: