Description
Fukushu kumquat is the kind of citrus that earns a spot near the house—where you’ll notice the foliage, smell the blossoms, and pick fruit a few at a time through the colder months. The fruit is meant to be eaten whole, with a sweet, thin skin and juicy, tangy flesh that delivers a clean winter citrus hit without any peeling.
This variety is widely marketed under the name Changshou, and it’s valued for its larger kumquat fruit and its distinctly ornamental look. The leaves tend to be broader than many kumquats, giving the tree a fuller, more “finished” presence in containers and warm-climate plantings.
Overview
- Larger kumquat fruit eaten whole.
- Sweet, thin skin with juicy, tart citrus flesh.
- Late fall through winter ripening.
- Broad-leafed, highly ornamental growth habit.
- Self-fertile.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Citrus japonica ‘Fukushu’ (often sold as ‘Changshou’)
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Best suited to USDA Zones 8–11; said to be hardy to around 25°F with protection once established
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
• Flying Dragon: Typically 4–6 ft tall and wide
• C-35: Typically 8–12 ft tall and wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer (timing varies by climate and culture)
Ripening Time: Late fall through winter
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Seed Content: Typically few seeds (varies by fruit and season)
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Fukushu is widely sold as “Changshou” kumquat and is often listed under older or alternate naming as Fortunella obovata—a clue to why it’s frequently described as having broader leaves and larger fruit than many kumquats.
- Regional Insight: A strong fit for warm citrus regions, and an excellent container citrus in cooler areas where it can be protected during freezing weather.
- Harvest Tip: For the sweetest eating experience, let fruit fully color and hang a bit longer—kumquats reward patience more than most citrus.
- Explore more kumquat varieties in our collection: Kumquats
