Fukushu Kumquat Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

4-11 patio / 9-11 outdoors

Fukushu Kumquat Tree is thornless and produces large golden-orange kumquats with sweet skin and tart, juicy flesh, eaten peel and all. Citrus japonica 'Fukushu', also listed as Fortunella obovata 'Fukushu', grows about 10 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in the ground, or smaller with container pruning. Compared with smaller, sharper kumquats, Fukushu has a larger fruit and a thicker edible peel, making it one of the better choices for fresh snacking, marmalade, candying, and winter citrus trays. This is our favorite compact citrus tree for a polished look on a patio and delicious fruit in the cold-season kitchen.

Fukushu Kumquat Tree Care

Plant Fukushu Kumquat Tree in spring after frost danger has passed, or keep it in a patio container that can move indoors before freezing weather. This tree needs full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Set the graft union above the soil line and space outdoor trees 6 to 8 feet apart. Grow it in rich, well-drained citrus soil with a slightly acidic pH around 6.0 to 6.5, avoiding heavy wet ground or pots that hold standing water. Prune lightly in early spring to shape the canopy, remove dead wood, and cut away any suckers below the graft.

Growing Fukushu Kumquat Tree

Fukushu Kumquat Tree is self-fertile and grafted trees may begin bearing in 1 to 2 years with strong light and steady care. There is no chill-hour requirement, and fruit typically ripens from November through March when the rind deepens to orange and the fruit tastes sweet-tart. Harvest by clipping or gently twisting ripe fruit from the stem, and store unwashed kumquats in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

Growing Fukushu Kumquat Tree in Containers

Fukushu Kumquat Tree is well suited to patios, balconies, sunrooms, and bright indoor winter spaces because it stays productive while pruned smaller. Start with a 10 to 14 inch pot or 3 to 5 gallon container, and repot every 2 to 3 years in spring as roots fill the mix. Use a chunky citrus potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. In cooler zones, overwinter rolling containers in a bright, cool room (about 50–60°F) and transition the tree gradually to indoor and outdoor light levels. 

Watering Fukushu Kumquat Tree

Water young trees deeply when the top inch or two of soil dries, keeping the root ball lightly moist but never saturated. Wilted leaves that improve after watering means the roots got too dry while yellow cupped leaves in wet soil indicate overwatering.

Feeding Fukushu Kumquat Tree

Feed Fukushu Kumquat Tree with a citrus fertilizer 3 to 4 times per year from late winter through early fall. Regular feeding supports fragrant flowers, glossy leaves, and fruit development. Avoid  fertilizing during the cold season because new growth is more vulnerable to frost.

SKU:

EDI-CIT-FSK-LGL