Kumquat Tree: Mon 6 May 2024

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: When should I plant an orange tree?



Either october- November.... Or end of February beggining March ****

I'd plant it now so the rain can water it in. If temperatures really plummeted you could wrap it in bubble wrap.
Buy a decent one with a thick trunk, unless you're prepared to wait years. You need to spend Euros 85 or more. ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Does anyone know of a mulberry tree nearby where we could pick some leaves to feed silkworms?



Leaves aren't out yet ... ****

author: we don’t need them yet, I want to know if there will be any nearby before I agree to let my son have some silkworm eggs!

Well I have one in my garden ****

[loobyloo]

Cont: from prev post re Mulberry Tree

(on another local expat site recently)

There is on in el campito park ****

There are lots in the Recinto Ferial too ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)

author: Have just planted a small kumquat tree. It has fruit. (photo)
There are thin shoots. Should I nip them or leave them?



well i think you want it to grow and it has fruit so maybe leave the shoots ****

[loobyloo]

(on another local expat site recently)


author: Cont from prev post kumquat tree

Basically, a kumquat is like a small orange tree. So, instructions for them is the same as for an orange tree.
If it is young you have to compromise between taking away problem branches and leaving enough for it to grow well.
Did you plant it in the ground or in a pot? What did the roots look like? Were there a lot visible, so you couldn't see soil,
ie pot bound, were there a lot of roots and a lot of soil visible, or was the tree loose in the pot?

When you do start pruning, have a look at the various shapes you can prune it into (no, not like topiary).
I don't have kumquats, but all my citrus, I like to prune them into an open vase structure so that the centre is open and airy
to discourage pests and mould/fungus. Altho they are sold as small, decorative plants, kumquat grow at least 2 metres tall,
so allow enough space around them for that, or else prune to restrict growth. I always like to get some fungicidal powder
to apply to the cut surfaces, to prevent fungal infection.. You need to remove crossing branches as those are a haven for pests.

If it is going to be allowed to grow large, bear in mind that you will need access to the centre to keep it neat and tidy.
So ensure there is a slit, or door in one side for access. The north is the best side for that, and the south the very worse.
East is second best, west third. The reason behind this is that if the opening is in the south, the sun can shine on the trunk and branches,
burning and killing the bark. It's why you see trees sometimes with whitewashed trunks to act as sunscreen.
Any questions, feel free.