Kumquat citrus tree or dwarf orange (Citrus forunella 'Rafael') - 2-litre pot

The Kumquat ‘Rafael’ is a compact citrus tree with glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The small, orange fruits have a sweet flavour and can be eaten with the peel or processed into jam or liqueur.

This variety is remarkably winter-hardy for a citrus species and should be able to survive temperatures down to approximately -18°C. The tree grows well in a pot on a sunny patio as well as in the garden in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Because the ‘Rafael’ is reasonably winter-hardy, you can leave the fruits hanging on the tree during mild winters and pick them gradually as they fully ripen.

Young plants are more sensitive to frost, so grow them in a protected environment for the first few years until the plants are large enough and have achieved full hardiness.

Key features

• Harvest period: October-January
• Flavour: sweet, juicy
• Location: sun to partial shade
• Height: 2-3 m
• Planting distance: 2-3 m
• Self-pollinating: yes
• Height at delivery: 15-20 cm (excluding pot)

Tips and care:

• Planting: because the small trees are supplied in pots, they can be planted all year round. We recommend planting in the autumn, as the soil is still warm and moist, which allows the trees to take root well in the soil. Plants that are planted in the autumn have a better-developed root system than plants that are only planted in the spring.
• Organic/non-organic: this planting stock comes from a small-scale nursery, without an official organic certificate. But don't worry, we are certain that it is poison-free.
• Note: Citrus plants can sometimes get somewhat yellowish leaves in winter. This is because they should not receive any nutrients during this period. Otherwise, they would grow too vigorously, and the new growth shoots would be at an increased risk of freezing. Provide the plant with nutrients again in the spring and it will turn a beautiful green once more.