The kumquat is an evergreen tree that is native to southern China. It grows most naturally in warm, humid climates such as those in South Florida. With proper kumquat tree care, growers in any climate can house these plants indoors in pots.

1. 1. Pick a sunny location. A kumquat tree needs full sun and at least six hours of sunlight every day to thrive. If you're planting your tree outside, pick a sunny spot with loamy, well-draining soil. Avoid dense, heavy clay, which can lead to standing water and root rot. If you're potting the plant, select a pot that is at least three times as wide as the root ball and has drainage holes.

2. 2. Plant your tree at the right time. In warm climates, you can plant a kumquat tree in the late winter. Otherwise, get it in the soil by early spring for best results in its first year.

3. 3. Water and mulch regularly. To develop a healthy rootstock, keep the plant roots moist throughout the first month. Water the kumquat plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry two inches below the surface. If your plant is outdoors, put a two-inch layer of much 10 inches away from the trunk to retain moisture but prevent root rot.

4. 4. Mist and fertilize young plants. Mist the kumquat leaves regularly for the first month (at least three times per week). After one month, apply citrus fertilizer. Fertilizing occasionally during the spring and summer months will help promote a healthy root system.

5. 5. Prune as needed. Kumquat trees have shrub-like, dark green foliage, and they generally don't need much pruning. However, a gentle degree of pruning can help the plant grow thicker branches, which will help when it's time to produce fruit.

6. 6. Watch for insects. The pests that are most likely to harm a kumquat tree are aphids and mealybugs. You can mist your plant's leaves with diluted insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if you spot an outbreak.

7. 7. Don't worry about pollination. A kumquat plant is self-pollinating, so it doesn't need another kumquat tree to flower or produce fruit.

8. 8. Harvest the fruit with scissors. Most kumquat varieties produce fruit in the fall. When your kumquats are ripe, snip them from the branches using scissors. Pulling too hard on the branches can damage the plant—particularly when the kumquat tree is young. Your first year's harvest will likely be modest, but a mature kumquat tree produces a bounty of fruit.

9.