Variety profile

Nameiwa Kumquat

(Citrus crassifolia 'Nameiwa')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Origin: Nameiwa kumquat is a superior selection of the famous Meiwa, the result of research to improve the latter’s size […]

Small elongated orange citrus fruit among green leaves
AI-generated illustration. It does not authenticate cultivar identity or cold tolerance.
Cold hardiness 10°F (−12°C)

Identity

OriginChina, Japan
Genetic originClonal selection of Meiwa kumquat
USDA zone
Cold hardiness10°F (−12°C)
Fruit cold hardiness25°F (−4°C)
GrowthSlow
Height10 ft (3 m)
HarvestJanuary, February, March, April
SeedsFew
FlavorsAcidless, Very sweet, Balanced

History & Description

Origin

Nameiwa kumquat is a superior selection of the famous Meiwa, the result of research to improve the latter’s size and flavor quality. It is still relatively rare but highly prized by citrus connoisseurs and collectors.

Tree description

Very similar to the classic Meiwa, it has slow growth and a compact habit. It is an elegant tree, ideal for container growing, that needs little pruning.

Fruit quality

The Nameiwa fruit stands out for a size often larger than the standard Meiwa and a very regular round shape. Its skin is remarkably tender and rich in mild essential oils.

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is a sweet delight. The flesh is juicy, the skin is smooth and mellow, and the whole is practically free of the bitterness or acidity sometimes found in other kumquats. A true natural confection.

Hardiness — October 8, 2026 review: The reference is set at 10°F (−12°C), advertised by Pépins Perdus and Aux Soleils de Manan. Vessières and the Pépinière du Bosc advertise 7°F (−14°C), Agrumes de Provence up to 5°F (−15°C) while mentioning dry cold, and Greffeur d’Agrumes 14°F (−10°C). These gaps do not allow the maximum to be treated as a guarantee. These temperatures apply to a mature, established, acclimated tree during a one-off frost; they guarantee neither the absence of damage nor a harvest. Wind, freeze duration, humidity, and pot culture change the risk.

Fruit resistance: The fruit reference of 25°F (−4°C) is kept: Aux Soleils de Manan advertises 25°F (−4°C), Vessières 23°F (−5°C). These figures concern the fruit, not the survival of the tree.

Hardiness references: Pépins Perdus — Nameiwa; Aux Soleils de Manan — Kumquats et hybrides; Agrumerie Vessières — Nameiwa; Pépinière du Bosc — Nameiwa; Agrumes de Provence — Nameiwa; Greffeur d’Agrumes — Nameiwa (accessed October 8, 2026).
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Updated:

"Growing rare citrus means accepting that nature has the last word, while whispering in its ear how to survive the winter."

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