This bushy little tree averages eight to 15 feet when fully grown and resembles a shrub more than a typical citrus tree. The kumquat produces best after long, hot summers, making it perfect for growing in Miami gardens.
Attractive as a border plant or yard accent, the kumquat has multitudes of slender branches covered with elongated leaves that are slightly pointed at the tips. The leaves are glossy and dark green above and lighter green to silver below. The sweetly fragrant white flowers are borne singly or in groups of three or four at the leaf axis. Clusters of small bright orange fruit ripen in December and are a sweet surprise arriving just in time for Christmas.
The kumquat does best in bright locations with full sun and regular, moderate watering. Grow the kumquat in its natural shrubby state, prune it to resemble a tree or cultivate it as a container plant indoors. After fruiting out, the kumquat typically enters a period of dormancy during the coolest months and will sometimes lose some leaves. The tree returns with a vengeance in spring, producing extravagant flowers and new growth.
The tart and juicy kumquat summons a little taste of summer in December.
