Fukushu Kumquat Tree

Fukushu Kumquat

The largest of any of the kumquat fruits we currently grow, Fukushu Kumquat is one of our favorite winter snacks! Oblong golden-orange fruits with a stubby neck have an exceptionally thick and sweet skin. The flesh brings the acidic balance to the sweet skin and usually has very few seeds. One of our favorite kumquats for fresh eating. Also, this variety is said to be hardy down to 25 degrees F., so could be worth trying outdoors in mild climates. Also known as ‘Changshou’.

*Cold hardiness update: Fukushu made it through the January 2024 arctic blast when many other citrus we assumed to be more cold hardy died. We’ll continue trialing it but it seems as though Fukushu might have some exceptional cold hardiness!

Latin Name: Fortunella obovata ‘Fukushu’
Site and Soil: Fukushu Kumquat can be grown outdoors in regions with mild winters. It likes 1/2 day to full sun and well drained soil. If growing it in a pot, in the winter place your plant in a well-lit room. Potting soil should be coarse, acidic, and well-drained.
Rootstock Description: Flying Dragon is a hardy and very dwarfing rootstock for Citrus that induces very early flowering and fruit production. Trees grown on Flying Dragon will rarely exceed 5 ft. in height and will often produce fruit the year they are planted. *Our Fukushu trees in 12″ tree pots are grafted onto C-35, a very cold hardy rootstock but one that will grow into a slightly larger tree than those grafted onto Flying Dragon.*
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile. You can help it set fruit by taking a small brush and moving pollen from flower to flower.
Hardiness: Hardy to at least 27° F, possibly lower once established and in the right microclimate.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 5-8 ft. tall
Taste: Sweet, balanced acidic flavor
Fruit Skin: Orange
Fruit Flesh:
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Late fall to winter.
Yield: 30+ lbs.
Care: Fertilize with citrus mix 3-4 times per year with typical applications in late winter (Jan-Feb), late spring (May-June) and early fall (Sept-Oct).
Pests & Diseases: While outside, Citrus plants will likely not be bothered by insect pests. Be on the lookout for slugs. Indoors, Citrus can have mites and/or aphids. Watch carefully for any problems and treat with an insecticidal soap or wash them off. We have not seen any disease problems on our Citrus plants.
USDA Zone: 9a