Small original from the citrus trees family, the Kumquat attracts many gardeners who grow it in pots to harvest its oval, orange fruits that can be eaten whole, and are enjoyed raw, candied, or cooked.
Unlike other citrus trees, the kumquat does not require pruning. However, light and targeted intervention can optimise its health and yield, especially when grown in the ground or after several years of growth. Here are some tips for pruning the kumquat.

kumquat pruning
A small, flavourful fruit that requires little maintenance compared to other citrus trees

Why Prune the Kumquat?

While pruning is not strictly necessary for the kumquat, as it has a slow and compact growth, it produces fruit on the previous year's branches. Excessive pruning can therefore reduce the harvest. However, it can be beneficial in certain cases:

  • To balance and maintain its shape, especially in larger specimens planted in the ground, when the tree becomes unbalanced or too dense.
  • To rejuvenate an old specimen and stimulate new growth.
  • In the case of dead and/or diseased branches, which should be removed to prevent contamination.

Note: If your kumquat is well-exposed, it will be less susceptible to diseases, which limits the need for sanitary pruning.

pruning old kumquat
For an old specimen, pruning can be considered, respecting the tree's vigour

When to Prune the Kumquat?

Unlike other citrus trees, the kumquat does not necessarily require pruning to fruit well, especially if you grow it in a pot, as it will remain compact. If it is healthy and well-balanced, you can forgo this maintenance for this citrus tree.
If you do wish to prune it, it should be done in spring, after its fruiting, which occurs between November and April, and after your harvest, to avoid removing the floral buds for the following year. In mild climates (such as Mediterranean), pruning is done a bit earlier in late winter (February-March), before the resumption of growth.

The pruning of adult kumquats only applies to specimens aged 4 to 5 years or older. For young plants (under 3 years), avoid any pruning except to remove dead wood.

If you are growing a kumquat in a pot and need to repot it in spring, wait a few weeks after repotting before pruning, to allow the citrus tree time to adapt to its new substrate.

How to Prune a Kumquat?

Always avoid severe pruning for this citrus tree, as it poses more risk of stress than a beneficial action. Therefore, limit cuts to problematic branches, proceeding in this order:

Removal of Dead and Diseased Branches

  • Always disinfect your tools before and after pruning to prevent contamination. Prepare a sharp pruning shear and a lopper for thick branches over 1 cm on older specimens.
  • Cut dry, broken, or diseased branches at an angle.
  • Disinfect the pruning shear between each cut if you suspect a disease.

Airing the Branches

This operation also aerates the foliage, allowing air and light to penetrate the centre of the bush.

  • Remove branches that cross or grow inward.
  • Keep the centre clear for better air and light circulation.

Balancing the Shape

  • Shorten overly long branches by a maximum of one third to harmonise the silhouette: prune just above a bud facing outward, at an angle.
  • Prefer an open shape (cup or vase) for specimens grown in pots.
how to prune kumquat

Stimulating Fruit Production

Lightly prune the tips of the branches to encourage branching and flowering. This is sufficient to trigger the formation of new lateral branches (and thus future floral buds).

  • Shorten by 5 to 10 cm maximum the tips of the young shoots of the year, just above a bud facing outward, to prevent new branches from growing towards the centre.

Be careful, for kumquats in pots, prefer an even lighter pruning (3–5 cm) to avoid stressing the plant.

Kumquat Varieties: Pruning Particularities

Depending on the varieties, adapt your pruning:

VarietyFlavourPruning Advice
NagamiVery tangySupports light pruning (5–10 cm). Ideal in pots.
MeiwaSweetVery light pruning (3–5 cm max) to preserve flowering.
CentennialBalancedSensitive to severe cuts.
NordmannTangyPrune in late winter to avoid frost. Resists cold well.