my newest

9 years ago

This plant in no way hopped into my trunk. I had to wrangle it into the passenger seat :) And explain to several people what a kumquat is. I'm on a mission.

Have not pulled it out of the pot to see what the roots look like. Grower soil never looks good to me, so I will likely replace it.

I think I either need to stake it or do some pruning because the branch to the left is pulling it over. I find it hard to really secure a stake in pots, though.

I don't know what the guidelines are for pruning citrus. I have read about node counts, but I don't really understand.

On this plant, there was actually a flower and some tiny fruits on the older branch on the right/top. Does that mean I can prune anywhere without worry of messing up the node count?

Am I OK to prune large lower one hanging to the left? Should I just cut off the ends of it enough to take the weight off?

Featured Answer

hibiscus909
Original Author

9 years ago

You guys are such enablers! I really need a lime because I use tons of them. And a few lemons, because there's so many interesting ones. And 4-5 oranges and mandarins. Each. And while we're talking quats, of course I need a lemonquat to go with my limequat. Now to find the cash and some more space....

The cashier told me to enjoy my lemon tree (there was a picture tag on it). When she gave me a blank look after I said 'kumquat', I had to explain it. So far, nobody else I've talked to seems interested in eating a whole tiny orange. Fine, I'll take them all! Well, not at that price, unfortunately.

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Comments (9)

johnmerr
9 years ago
If it were mine, I would cut off the lower left-hanging limb at the trunk; and then head back the other left leaning branches. Your tree is a bit left-leaning and a bit top heavy; looks like it was grown in a space where it only got light from one side. I would leave the stake exactly as it is until the trunk gets a little stronger relative to your winds; and then I would take it out entirely.
Laura LaRosa (7b)
9 years ago
Nice find! Listen to John...he's a pro!
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poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
I alway enjoy reading about someone who just bought a kumquat tree. What kind of kumquat is it. Kumquat trees are my first an nearly only choice for citrus. I have a Meiwa and 2 Fukushu kumquat trees. best of luck with your new tree.

6b Steve
hibiscus909
Original Author
9 years ago
Me too, Steve.

This one is a nagami. I almost didn't get it because I already have a nagami, and I prefer the sweet meiwa. This one is so big and I don't think kumquats are common around here, so I figured I better grab it. Then I noticed the flower and tiny fruits. Score!

My meiwa is not looking as good (the one just attacked, from my other thread)- not nearly as many branches or leaves. It didn't lose much over winter. I thought things were looking up in March because there was new growth. Now, not much happening. Will try more ferts and sun.

I wasn't sure if I should take that limb all the way back to the trunk. It seems like a lot to take off , but I will probably do it. Would that be better than tying it to a stake?
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
Because Kumquat tree are very slow growing I would not remove any growth from them. I would stake the limb to position and harden it in place.

6b Steve
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You'll LOVE your kumquat..., they are infinitely better for wintering over in the average house than other Citrus kin. I find them to be MUCH less vulnerable to all sorts of indoor pests! If you want to expand your collection, add a Calamondin (a kumquat x mandarin hybrid of sorts). You'll find the Calamondin flowers to be more aromatic and I have used the fruit in the kitchen.
orangelime1
9 years ago
Very nice hibiscus it's always fun explaining your purchase to on lookers . Remember people think pineapples come from pineapple tree's I say no more you must of had a lot of fun .

Brian
sunshine (zone 6a, Ontario,Canada)
9 years ago
Nice tree, if you cut the branch, use it for propagation of new trees. Kind of material for experiments and learning :)