Kumquat and makrut lime trees can take several years to begin fruiting, so if they are healthy and growing well, they may simply need a little more time.

Kumquats can take around five to six years after planting before they begin to crop properly. If your kumquat is growing in a container, it may also have dried out at flowering time or when tiny fruit were forming, which can cause flowers or young fruit to drop before they develop further.

Feed with a Daltons Garden Time Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser every six weeks from late October to December, then start again from March to early May. Keep the tree well watered through the growing season, especially if it is in a pot, as inconsistent watering can affect flowering and fruit set.

Makrut lime can also produce fruit as the plant matures. The fruit is small, green and very bumpy, but for cooking it is usually the leaves that are most useful. If the plant is healthy and making plenty of leafy growth, that is a good sign. Feed it the same way with a citrus fertiliser to keep it growing well and support both leaf and fruit development.