How to grow Cumquat in Australia
The toughest, most cold-tolerant citrus and perfect in a pot. Nagami (tart) and Marumi (sweeter) are common.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 12 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 200 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to November | The hardiest citrus for Melbourne. Plant Sep to Nov in a sunny bed or a large pot. |
| Adelaide & SA | March and April, September and October | Plant Mar to Apr or Sep to Oct. Thrives in a bed or a pot; keep pots watered through heatwaves. |
| Perth & WA | March to September | |
| Tasmania | September to November | Plant Sep to Nov in a warm sheltered bed or a pot. After Meyer lemon, the most reliable citrus in Tasmania. |
| Canberra & ACT | November | The hardiest citrus for Canberra. Plant in November after the last frost in a sunny sheltered spot or a pot, and cover young trees on frosty nights. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Plant May to Sep in the dry and water regularly until the wet arrives. Grows well in a large pot. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Plant May to Aug in the dry and water regularly through to the wet. Grows well in a large pot. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Storage
Bench for a week, fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.