The Kumquat Seed Project

  1. Using a kitchen knife, carefully cut the kumquat in two.
  2. You don't want to damage any of the seeds you are after.
  3. Gently push in the pulp with your thumb exposing the seeds.
  4. There are usually 4 seeds per kumquat, but I only found 2 seeds in this one worth using.
  5. The other 2 were too small and immature.
  6. Wipe off the slick coating on the seeds as much as you can and let them dry for 20 minutes so they are easier too handle in the next step.
  7. In this next step, you will be removing the seeds protective shell.
  8. Find the nubby protrusion on the seed and make an incision cutting it in 2 using the X-acto knife.
  9. (Slice only this nub, not the entire seed.)
  10. Using the split in the seed, gently peel away the shell from the seed.
  11. The actual seed inside is green and if you look closely, you can see what is going to be the first leaf.
  12. Do this process for all the seeds you are going to germinate.
  13. Place the seeds on folded paper towels.
  14. Place more folded paper towels on top.
  15. Place in a zip lock bag.
  16. Add enough water to moisten the paper towels, seal the bag, and place in a warm, out of the way place.
  17. You will need to replace the paper towels and water every 3 days.
  18. Day 3 - Not much going on yet.
  19. Change paper towels and water.
  20. Day 6 - Seeds beginning to open up and sprouts forming.
  21. Change paper towels and water.
  22. Day 9 - yay!
  23. We have germination.
  24. I think I am going to let these go another 3 days and then plant them in some soil.
  25. Change the paper towels and water.
  26. Day 12 - time to move the seedlings to some loose, sandy soil.
  27. UPDATE 01.31.15: The seedlings are coming along nicely.
  28. I added a little root stimulator to their watering.

kumquat, knife, ziplock, paper, spring, kitchen knife

Taken from cookpad.com/us/recipes/362697-the-kumquat-seed-project (may not work)

Another recipe

Switch theme