Why doesn't my Kumquat tree set fruit? - Ask Extension
I have a 5 year (?) kumquat tree (Nagami ????) that blooms profusely several times during the spring and early summer, (It is blooming now.) but does...
Knowledgebase
Why doesn't my Kumquat tree set fruit? #142135
Asked July 21, 2013, 5:23 PM EDT
I have a 5 year (?) kumquat tree (Nagami ????) that blooms profusely several times during the spring and early summer, (It is blooming now.) but does not set fruit. It is potted and about 3 foot tall. I have it inside in the winter and outside other times (in mostly shade during the hot summer in East Texas.) I fertilize with a slow release product.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Henderson County Texas
Expert Response
Citrus trees that bloom profusely, but fail to set and develop normal fruit generally suffer from one or more of the following possibilities:
1) Poor foliage condition or lack of foliage surviving the winter. Freeze-damaged citrus trees will flower, but not hold fruit if substantial new leaves are being formed. Since you are holding this plant inside during the winter, likely is not the problem.
2) Water stress during the bloom period. A five-year old citrus tree in a pot that is only 3 feet tall seems to be growing too slowly. If the container is too small to allow normal root growth or has become rootbound, failure to water frequently enough could result in abortion of small fruit.
3) Similarly, and most importantly, insufficient fertility results in slow growth of the tree and low or no fruit set. I see that you are using a slow-release fertilizer, which is good, but the rate is important. Citrus are heavy feeders. If your analysis is low or the rate is too low or both, you may be causing a hidden hunger effect on fruiting. Slow-release fertilizers also have a time expiration, so it is important to re-apply according to product label.
4) Citrus trees produce fruit best in full sunlight. Locating a container plant in shady conditions will reduce fruit set.
If you have further questions or concerns, I suggest you email me directly.
1) Poor foliage condition or lack of foliage surviving the winter. Freeze-damaged citrus trees will flower, but not hold fruit if substantial new leaves are being formed. Since you are holding this plant inside during the winter, likely is not the problem.
2) Water stress during the bloom period. A five-year old citrus tree in a pot that is only 3 feet tall seems to be growing too slowly. If the container is too small to allow normal root growth or has become rootbound, failure to water frequently enough could result in abortion of small fruit.
3) Similarly, and most importantly, insufficient fertility results in slow growth of the tree and low or no fruit set. I see that you are using a slow-release fertilizer, which is good, but the rate is important. Citrus are heavy feeders. If your analysis is low or the rate is too low or both, you may be causing a hidden hunger effect on fruiting. Slow-release fertilizers also have a time expiration, so it is important to re-apply according to product label.
4) Citrus trees produce fruit best in full sunlight. Locating a container plant in shady conditions will reduce fruit set.
If you have further questions or concerns, I suggest you email me directly.
