Does a Dwarf Nagami Kumquat Tree Have Thorns?

Citrus and Spines

• The Nagami kumquat is one of a number of citrus trees that have few thorns. Many more common citrus trees have stout spines, including lemon (Citrus limon), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, and sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 10. The Nagami is most closely related to the extremely spiny hardy orange (Poncirus trifoliata), thriving in USDA zones 5 through 9, which is often used as a rootstock for dwarf plants.

Dwarf Trees

• Kumquats, like most cultivated fruit varieties, do not come true from seed, so trees are grafted to produce fruits with uniform qualities. To create a dwarf Nagami kumquat, grafting technicians start with a rooted cutting of the dwarfing rootstock. The scion, or top growth, which produces the fruit, is then grafted onto the rootstock. The scion variety then develops into the above-ground portion of the tree. Because of this, the dwarf Nagami kumquat tree has the characteristics -- including the near absence of thorns -- of the scion species, rather than those of the thorny, hardy orange rootstock species.

Kumquat Culture

• Grow dwarf Nagami kumquats outdoors in a sunny location in well-drained soil. Dwarf trees should be staked to protect them from wind damage. Outside of their hardiness range, Nagamis can be grown indoors in large pots and moved outside in warm weather. The trees can withstand cold temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and go dormant during cold weather. Water daily until the young trees are established and during dry spells. Water potted specimens until water flows from drainage holes. In-ground trees should be watered until the top 2 inches of the surrounding soil is moist to the touch.

Ornamental Fruit Trees

• Dwarf Nagamis are especially suitable for porch or patio culture, as they are easy to grow in pots. With fragrant flowers and minimal thorns, they can be used in high traffic areas without worry. Long a garden fixture in their native region, Nagamis make excellent specimen trees or focal points in Asian-themed gardens. Because the flowers attract pollinators, the trees can also function in habitat or pollinator gardens. In a traditional formal potager or kitchen garden, potted dwarf Nagami kumquats could be used to mark the four corners of the planting area.