Citrus x microcarpa Cumquat 'Calamondin'
‘Calamondin‘ is a bushy small tree that produces an abundance of small, round, orange-coloured fruit. The skin of the fruit is thin and smooth, while the flesh is juicy and tangy, offering a delightful flavour that balances sweetness and sourness. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers from late spring to summer. Its leaves are small, glossy, and dark green, with a slightly ovate shape.
Cultural
Harvest fruit when it is fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch. Fruit ripens 6-9 months after flowering. Sensitive to frost when young.
Soil:
Tolerates any well-drained soil
Aspect:
Full sun.
Maintenance:
Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Fertilise in spring and late summer with a citrus-specific fertiliser. Susceptible to citrus scale, leaf miner, and gall wasp- monitor plants closely and apply appropriate treatments if detected.
Water Requirements:
Moderately drought tolerant once established but will benefit from supplementary watering.
Seasonal Interest:
Late spring to summer flowering, autumn to winter fruiting.
Landscape Uses
‘Calamondin‘ is an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings. Its bushy, compact form makes it suitable for smaller spaces, such as patios and courtyards, or in pots. It can be grown as a decorative feature tree or pruned into a neat hedge, providing an attractive border or screen. The fruit can be tangy when eaten fresh but is excellent for preserves, brandies, liqueurs, marmalades, and pickles.
Dimensions
Height to 4.5m
Width to 3.0m
Can be kept significantly smaller through pruning.
Width to 3.0m
Can be kept significantly smaller through pruning.