my kumquat unlike other citrus trees is constantly fruiting. it doen't go into dormancy.

What species is your kumquat and what zone do you live in? Do you keep it inside to prevent dormancy? I'm considering leaving it outside year round in a half barrel since I live in zone 7B, Redmond Washington. I think it should survive, but dunno about the fruiting and leaf growth. The strange thing is, my meyer lemons are doing well in the same conditions, but only the Kumquat dropped leaves.

Brandon, kumquats do not go "dormant" in the true sense of the term, dormancy (no edible citrus does). They will, in very cold conditions, attempt to shut down as much as possible and try to survive. Certain citrus cultivars are more cold-tolerant that others (satsumas, Gold Nugget mandarin, kumquats, and to some degree, Meyer lemon). Remember, citrus are semi-tropical plants, and they are not able to go fully dormant like deciduous fruit trees do (pome/stone fruits, certain berries, etc.). If your winter was particularly harsh, it may take a while for your kumquat to revive itself. If you have winter after winter of harsh and cold temps, you may see your kumquat never actually be able to recover enough to produce. And, cold tolerance you may see quoted for certain more cold-tolerant citrus are based on being planted in the ground, where roots are protected by the soil. Planting in a container would not afford a citrus tree that same protection. So, if your temps during the winter are consistently below 32 degrees for long periods of time (days), then you may want to consider bringing your tree or trees into a sheltered area during those cold snaps. It may be that the kumquat just got a colder blast than your Meyer lemon, is in a less desirable area to survive cold temps, or, the roots are better established for your Meyer.

Patty S.

thank you hoosierquilt! That was very informative. I recieved it mail order around late october and kept it inside. The poorly established root system may explain the leaf drop. The mass growth in the week after recieving it decieved me in thinking it was thriving, but it was probably using its last stores of energy.

Its possible the soil is just too wet.