Calamondin Plants

Plant Description

• The calamondin tree is dwarf and bush, growing only about 3 feet tall. The tree is nearly thornless and has small, broadly oval foliage. The tree bears fragrant flowers and fruit almost year-round and is considered quite attractive when it is heavily laden with flowers and fruit.

Fruit Description and Use

• The calamondin fruit is about 1 inch in diameter, edible and has a thing, yellow-to-orange and easily-separated peel. The fruit takes almost a year to ripen and is generally most numerous from November through July. These thin-skinned fruits do not store well. When harvesting, pick firm, yellow to yellow-orange fruits using a scissors to prevent any tearing of the stem end. The fruits will only last about one week in the refrigerator and can be used in a variety of ways including to make beverages, as a flavoring or garnish or to make marmalades, preserves and pies.

Cultural Requirements

• Calamondin plants prefer direct, full sunlight for best fruiting and growth but can be cultivated in half shade or a well lit area indoors. The ideal temperature range for calamondin is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Calamondin is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer from reduced growth at temperatures below 55 degrees. These plants require a well-drained soil and container. A soil mixture that contains equal parts loam, peat and perlite is suitable. Apply fertilizer regularly but sparingly. Water this small tree when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Potential Pests and Problems

• Calamondin may be infested by common pests like mites and scales. Make sure that the plant is not drought-stressed and use a damp rag or sponge to wipe the leaves so that they do not become dusty. Excess water can cause root rot and death, so ensure that drainage is adequate.

Propagation

• Calamondins propagated by seed show little variation from parent plants, so growing calamondin from seed is commonplace and requires no cross-pollination. Seedlings will begin to bear fruit within about two years. Calamondin can also be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be placed in a suitable rooting mixture under mist. Calamondin is also used as a rootstock for kumquats.