10 Best Kumquat Tree Varieties to Grow in Your Garden

When choosing the right fruit tree for your garden, a kumquat tree can be an excellent option. But which kumquat tree is best? That largely depends on your needs, including space, climate, and preferred fruit characteristics. Where do kumquats grow best? Generally speaking, these small citrus fruits prefer a warm, temperate climate but can also be grown indoors. If you’re short on space or live in a cooler climate, growing kumquats in pots is a viable option, especially if you opt for a dwarf kumquat tree.

Do kumquats grow fast? The answer varies by variety, but generally, they are relatively quick to bear fruit. If you want to get a kumquat tree for sale, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the available types. Several options exist, from the popular media kumquat tree to unique varieties like the Jiangsu and Centennial Variegated. This guide explores the ten best kumquat tree varieties to grow in your garden near you.

10 Best Kumquat Tree Varieties to Grow in Your Garden

Jiangsu Kumquat (Fortunella obovata ‘Jiangsu’)

Originating from China, the Jiangsu Kumquat is a unique variety that produces small, round fruits with a particularly sweet flavor. This variety is less common in the commercial market but is a prized option for home gardeners looking for something different. Regarding availability, a Jiangsu kumquat tree for sale may be a bit more challenging, but the hunt is often worth it for its unique characteristics. Like most kumquats, the Jiangsu bears fruit in the late winter.

Centennial Variegated Kumquat (Fortunella japonica ‘Centennial’)

The Centennial Variegated Kumquat is a beautiful ornamental variety that produces striking, variegated fruits and foliage. The fruit is sweet and flavorful, making it a popular choice for fresh eating. This variety is also suitable for container gardening, fitting the needs of those looking for the best kumquat tree varieties to grow in their garden. Expect to see fruit in the late winter to early spring, just like most other kumquats.

Nagami Kumquat (Fortunella margarita)

The Nagami Kumquat is one of the most popular varieties, known for its elongated, oval-shaped fruit and tart flavor. This variety is often used in marmalades and jellies because of its strong, tangy taste. When it comes to bearing fruit, the Nagami is relatively quick, usually producing its small, golden fruits in late winter to early spring. These trees are also excellent candidates for pot cultivation, making them a good choice if you’re interested in growing kumquats in pots.

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Malayan Kumquat (Fortunella polyandra)

The Malayan Kumquat is a rare variety known for its small, oblong fruit and mild, sweet taste. This tree is a great option if you’re looking for something not commonly found in most nurseries. It’s also a good candidate for pot growing due to its smaller size, meeting the criteria for the best kumquat plant for pots. As for when it bears fruit, you can expect to see a yield in the late winter to early spring months.

Marumi Kumquat (Fortunella japonica)

The Marumi Kumquat produces round fruits with a sweeter flavor than the Nagami. These trees are perfect for gardens with limited space, as they tend to be compact. The Marumi is also a suitable choice for pot growing, fitting the criteria for the best kumquat plant for pots. Like other kumquat varieties, you can expect to see fruits appearing in the late winter months.

Lisbon Kumquat (Fortunella margarita ‘Lisbon’)

If you’re searching for a kumquat variety that stands out for its vigor, the Lisbon Kumquat is a strong contender. Originating as a mutation of the standard Nagami, it offers a robustness many gardeners appreciate. The Lisbon Kumquat is known for producing heavy yields of elongated tart fruits, similar in flavor profile to its Nagami cousin.

These trees typically bear fruit during the late winter to early spring months, making them a reliable choice for those wondering when kumquat trees bear fruit. They’re also versatile enough to grow well in pots, adding another layer of appeal for those interested in growing kumquats in pots.

Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

While technically not a true kumquat, the Calamondin is a hybrid that bears a resemblance in both appearance and taste. Often used in cooking and baking, the fruit is small, round, and has a tart flavor, making it a versatile ingredient. This variety adapts well to container gardening and makes an excellent ornamental plant. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to grow a dwarf kumquat tree, given its smaller stature.

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Fukushu Kumquat (Fortunella obovata)

The Fukushu Kumquat is known for its unique, oblong fruit and rich, sweet flavor. This variety is especially prized in Asian cuisine, often consumed fresh or used in recipes. If you’re asking when kumquat trees bear fruit, the Fukushu generally yields in late winter to early spring, similar to other kumquats. This makes it a prime candidate if you’re looking for a tree that produces fruit relatively quickly.

Nordmann Kumquat (Fortunella margarita ‘Nordmanniana’)

The Nordmann Kumquat is a seedless variant of the Nagami Kumquat, highly prized for its virtually seedless fruits. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to consume the kumquat whole without the interruption of seeds.

As with other kumquats, this variety also bears fruit during the late winter months, making it a valuable addition to your garden if you’re looking for a fast-fruiting tree. Its compact size also makes it ideal for pot cultivation, adding to its status as one of the best kumquat tree varieties to grow in your garden near you.

Meiwa Kumquat

Regarding sweet kumquats, the Meiwa Kumquat is often the top pick. This variety is known for its round, sweet fruits lacking tartness in other kumquats. It’s a favorite for eating fresh, out of hand, and can also be used in various culinary applications. Given its popularity, you’ll likely find several options if you’re looking for a media kumquat tree for sale. Like most kumquats, the Meiwa also bears fruit in the late winter to early spring, making it an ideal choice if you’re wondering when kumquat trees bear fruit.

In case you missed it: Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Kumquat from Seed to Harvest

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect kumquat variety for your garden involves consideration of several factors, including climate, available space, and the specific characteristics of the fruit you desire. Whether you’re looking for a tree that produces tart, sweet, or seedless fruits, there’s a kumquat variety tailored for you. From the popular Meiwa and Nagami to the less common but equally delightful Jiangsu and Malayan, these kumquat varieties offer diverse flavors and growth habits.

Don’t forget that many kumquats are also well-suited to pot cultivation, making them ideal for gardeners with limited space or those living in less-than-ideal climates. With options to suit every need and taste, the question remains: Which kumquat tree is best for you?

10 Best Kumquat Tree Varieties to Grow in Your Garden