Kumquat

[Daluke]

Hey guys,

Just wondering what the best and easiest process is for propagating kumquat?

I got one (on the way) and was hoping to grow several more.

Are they easy to graft onto any citrus under stock?

How about by seed?

Do they strike from cuttings?

[terryb]

If supplied by the nursery industry, it is likely they will be grafted. The couple of trees I have at home which are over 20 years old do not have a smooth graft union, so that is something to consider if trying to match rootstock and scion. Although I have not tried with Kumquat, gemination of citrus seed is pretty easy so if they are fertile, they should grow.

I think mine is a nagami type (oval fruit), what are you getting?

[Daluke]

fortunella hindsii. I’m keen to get more hence the propagating questions.

[Daluke]

Ps got photos?

[terryb]

fortunella hindsii. I’m keen to get more hence the propagating questions.

I have been unsuccessful finding these, so well done. Oh, and If you find you have some spare seed....
"Commonsense citrus" by Ian Tolley has a section on geminating seed, as well as grafting, budding, layering etc. No mention of cuttings though

My kunquats are just ornamentals at present, although I have toyed with the idea of taking some layers - just have to find an interesting piece. They have just been moved from their original location and need a bit of love, including some micronutrients and a repot when it warms up.

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[Daluke]

Seems you have lots to try and layer!

[shibui]

"Commonsense citrus" by Ian Tolley has a section on geminating seed, as well as grafting, budding, layering etc. No mention of cuttings though

I had not seen anything on citrus as cuttings either and assumed they did not work but someone gave me some pieces from a very old family lemon tree to graft for them. I put the leftovers in as cuttings and all rooted!
Since them I have been growing many citrus from cuttings. I currently have a batch of finger lime cuttings waiting for roots.

I did read that root stock has a big influence on quality and even taste of citrus fruit as well as the usual hardiness and soil type adaptations so trees for fruit should probably be grafted but fruit quality and taste will not be primary in bonsai kumquat so cuttings are definitely worth a try.

[Daluke]

What kind of grafts do you recommend for kumquat/citrus?

[thoglette]

I put the leftovers in as cuttings and all rooted!
Since them I have been growing many citrus from cuttings..

What time of year do you do this? Green wood or hardwood?

[shibui]

What kind of grafts do you recommend for kumquat/citrus?

Usually I have done side grafts and T buds because most of the literature says they need to have an active apex to keep growing but this year I have used cleft graft and all have taken. Try whatever you are comfortable with.

What time of year do you do this? Green wood or hardwood?

Cuttings still have green bark but are stiff so probably semi hard wood. Usually summer but the finger lime cuttings were only a couple of weeks ago as a trial. They are currently in the igloo on chook powered bottom heat and auto mist.
I seem to remember striking some older cuttings (mature grey bark) of Poncirus trifoliata at one stage so hardwood will probably be OK too but older wood tends to be slower to root.

Growth cycles vary according to location so will cutting times. It costs almost nothing to take a few cuttings so worth doing some trials to see what works for you at your place. Citrus cuttings don't appear to be common so who knows what is possible and what we can learn if we try new things?

[matlea]

May also work with root cuttings.
I dug up a kumquat from the ground last spring and have now got a new plant growing from whatever roots were left in the ground.

[KIRKY]

Terryb if your after fortunella hindsii try neolitsea on eBay he has them for sale.
fortunella hindsii Will grow well from cuttings mid Spring to early summer. Like all citrus they love the warmth to grow.
Cheers
Kirky

[Captainozzie]

Thanks guys. Love cumquats so will try to bonsai. Newbie bonsai nut so know nothing. But follow me for the world's best Cumquat and Cointreau jam. More toast shop.

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