[b][u]THE[/u] Thread[/b].

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All about taking cuttings from the kumquat tuber, hopefully, cos I know very little about the subject.

Factolio.
 
Kumquats are one of those unforgettable fruits. These have long been enjoyed.
A long time favorite in China and Japan, this fruit has been in cultivation for perhaps a thousand years. Accounts appear in ancient Chinese manuscripts.

The name kumquat comes from the Chinese, and means "golden orange."

One of the hardiest kinds of citrus, kumquat trees can withstand temperatures as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Grown commercially in Florida and California, they are also treated as yard trees by gardeners in warm climates.

These attractive evergreen trees can grow from 10 to 12 feet in height. Their ultimate size is dependent upon the rootstock and growing conditions. The small, compound leaves are bright green. Arranged alternately, they're packed together on the branches. Often, these will have light colored spots. Kumquat blossoms are star-shaped, white and delightfully fragrant. They're borne individually or in clusters.

The small, orange, citrus-like fruits are rather elongated. Though the size depends somewhat on the cultivar, they can reach two inches in length. The fruits are borne on small shoots with up to five or so fruits per shoot. Usually, they will ripen during the late fall and winter. These are generally available from November through the spring in supermarkets.

Though they are closely related to the more familiar orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit, these are not true citrus. Several cultivars of kumquats are available.

While the skin is very sweet, the tartness of the pulp provides a nice contrast. Some will have several seeds, while others don't. When ripe, kumquats can be eaten out of hand skin and all. They're also added to fruit salads and made into fruit drinks. These are traditionally prepared into preserves as well.

In addition to their culinary uses, kumquats are a great favorite for Christmas decorations. For this, the entire attractive, bright green branches with the vividly colored fruits are used. As if that isn't enough, kumquat trees are often used in citrus breeding programs to create interesting hybrids, such as the limequat.

Kumquats are propagated mostly by grafting cuttings onto rootstocks. Because the plants hybridize easily, it is not a good idea to grow these plants from seed.

In addition to their role in fruit gardens, the kumquat tree can fulfill various functions in the landscape. It can be used as a small shade tree, a hedge, or property boundaries. It is also used to frame entryways, and serve as backgrounds for small species of flowering plants. Because the trees tend to be compact, they're a good choice for container gardens....
 
cont'd...In general, kumquats like full sun, and do best if they are given a well-drained spot. When more than one tree is planted, they should be placed at least ten feet apart both ways.

Kumquat trees tend to be rather bushy and benefit from regular pruning.

This plant's botanical name honors Robert Fortune, a renowned English botanist (1813-1890). He introduced the kumquat to Europe along with other plants, including the chrysanthemum, and tree peonies. (Incidentally, while he was working for the Royal Horticultural Society, he was also responsible to a large degree for the founding of the tea plantations in India.)
 
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