Nordmann Kumquats: Everything You Need to Know About This Delicious Fruit

The Nordmann Kumquat, also known by its full name as the Nordmann Seedless Nagami Kumquat, is a citrus plant tree that’s native to Florida. While it’s not one of the more well-known kumquat plants on the market, it’s one of the best. It looks and feels like a normal kumquat, but the Nordmann Kumquat has several distinct features that we’ll dig into in the pages that follow.

So, if you’re thinking about adding the Nordmann Kumquat to your list of garden items, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss what makes this kumquat unique from other varieties, as well as everything you need to know about growing them.

Characteristics of the Nordmann Kumquat

Taste

While you might not be able to tell much of a difference between the Nordmann and other kumquats just by looking at them, you will if you bite into one. The Nordmann kumquat has a distinctly sweet taste with a dash of tartness thrown in. It gets its sweetness from the peel and its acidic tartness from the juicy flesh lying beneath it.

They’re very florally aromatic when you first bite into them. However, as you continue eating, you’ll also get hints of apricot and other citrus fruits. You also don’t have to worry about peeling or slicing this kumquat because the entire fruit is edible.

Smell

The scent that this kumquat gives off is mostly floral, with hints of citrus fruit thrown in.

Color and Shape

As they’re growing on the vine, the Nordmann kumquat has yellow skin similar to that of a lemon. As they ripen, these kumquats take on more of orange color on both the outside and the inside.

This fruit has a long, slender, oval shape similar to a light bulb. They grow roughly four to five centimeters long when they’re full-grown. Adding to the lightbulb effect is the fact that the base is slightly narrower and stumpy. The peelings are thick and smooth, similar to that of an orange.

Cooking With This Fruit

Because of the sweet and tangy taste of this kumquat, it’s a great option for a healthy snack. Here are some of the ways you can use this delicious fruit.

• Eating raw
• Making jam or jellies
• Baked goods
• Fruit salads

Health Benefits of the Nordmann Kumquat

In addition to being a very tasty treat, the Nordmann kumquat is also quite healthy. Here are some of its known benefits.

• Very high in Vitamin C and also contain Vitamin A
• Rich in fiber and antioxidants
• They make for a great snack because they’re free of cholesterol and very low in sodium and fats
• Aid with blood vessels and blood flow
• Helps increase the strength and flexibility of your cartilage
• Aid in muscle growth and strengthening
• Can increase the healing process
• Boost your collagen levels, which is an important protein for bones

How to Grow Nordmann Kumquats

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re thinking about growing your own Nordmann kumquats, this is the section for you. Growing a Nordmann kumquat isn’t much different from growing other types of kumquats, and here’s what you need to know. Keep in mind that this kumquat variety takes roughly one to two years to bear fruit from the time you plant it, so stay patient.

Planting Time

The best time to plant your kumquat is in early to late spring. You can also optionally start your kumquat indoors and move them outside when temperatures reach the low to mid-twenties.

Soil

When it comes to the kumquat, the pH level of the soil doesn’t matter very much. They can grow and survive in soils of most acidity or alkalinity level, but they won’t do well in soil that’s hard, clay-like, or sticky. Therefore, you should make sure to plant your kumquat tree in soil that drains well and doesn’t hold on to moisture. Otherwise, sticky, clay-like soil will be the result.

To test any prospective soil as a good kumquat spot, you should perform a moisture test. Dig a hole roughly one foot deep where you plan to plant your kumquat seeds or tree. Dump the water into the hole and fill it up. Your water should drain within 20 to 30 minutes. Otherwise, it’s not a good spot for your Nordmann kumquat.

Light

The kumquat needs tons of sunlight, especially in the early stages of its life. You should try to get your new plant at least seven to eight hours of sunshine per day, with partial afternoon shade as an option but not a requirement.

Size and Spacing

Nordmann kumquat trees grow to between three and five feet tall when they’re fully mature. As such, you should plant your seeds or trees at least three to four feet apart to give them room to grow.

Fertilizing and Growing Tips

No matter what type of kumquat you’re planting, they can always benefit from a citrus fertilizer, and the Nordmann kumquat is no exception. During planting, you should add a slow-releasing citrus fertilizer, especially during the colder months. Even during warm months, you should add fertilizer as needed.

One of the nicest things about the Nordmann kumquat is that it’s extremely durable and resilient. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees which is 12 degrees below freezing. They do best in hardiness zones nine and ten but can survive in most zones with a little love and nurturing.

Pollination

These plants are self-pollinating.

Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For

The Nordmann kumquat is especially prone to pests and diseases, including:

• Mealybugs
• Leaf miners
• Citrus scale
• Aphids

To protect against these pests, you should douse your kumquats in horticultural or neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Kumquats are also susceptible to pesky diseases such as anthracnose, citrus blast, and phytophthora root rot. To avoid these diseases, you should follow the directions on your seeds or tree packet to a T. Improper watering or planting in the wrong soil is the most likely culprit that will cause the onset of one of these diseases. You should also spray your kumquat tree in horticultural oil at least three times per year to protect against diseases.

Pruning

In general, Nordmann kumquat trees are very low maintenance and don’t require much pruning. As long as you remove dead leaves, branches, or fruits as you see them, your kumquat tree shouldn’t need more intensive pruning.

When to Harvest the Nordmann Kumquat

Unlike traditional plants and fruits, the best time to harvest a Nordmann kumquat is in late fall to early winter. Traditionally, harvesting begins in late November and stretches into January. You’ll know your kumquats are ready to harvest when the skin turns deep orange and the fruit is slightly soft.

Where Can I Buy a Nordman Kumquat?

Nordmann kumquats aren’t one of the more well-known kumquat varieties. As such, they can be tough to locate if you don’t live in a southern or tropical state. These fruits are native to Florida, which means that Florida, Georgia, California, and other southern or coastal states are the best place to find fresh Nordmann kumquats.

However, you can purchase the seeds for a Nordmann kumquat online from a host of fruit and vegetable retailers.

Wrapping Up the Nordmann Kumquat

In terms of hidden gems and foods that don’t get the attention they deserve, the Nordmann kumquat is at the top of the list. It’s one of the most underrated and healthy treats that you can grow in your home garden. Therefore, if you’re looking for a delicious addition to your garden, the Nordmann kumquat should definitely get some consideration.

Excited for more kumquat content? Check out our kumquat trees page to learn more about this funky little citrus!