The tree will not produce fruit in colder climates.

In suitable climate conditions, loquat trees grow fast, 1 to 2 feet per year.

A south- or southeast-facing side of your home is ideal to capture the most warmth during the winter.

Backfill with two-thirds of the original soil and gently tamp the soil.

Before backfilling with the remaining original soil, water slowly and deeply to soak the soil.

Stake the treeto ensure your newly planted tree grows straight and strong winds won’t dislodge the roots.

Space trees 25 feet apart.

For pollination, plant at least two compatible varieties of loquat trees within 100 feet of one another.

Soil

The tree prefers well-drainingloamy soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Heavily compacted clay soil or soil withhigh acidityand high salinity is not suitable for growing loquats.

Water

The loquat tree is drought-tolerant but will be more productive when it gets regular water.

Newly planted loquat trees should be watered every second day.

Keeping the roots moist during this stage is crucial.

Once fully established, water less frequently unless there is a dry spell.

Pollination

Although loquat trees are considered self-fruitful, planting a second cultivar nearby improves fruit production.

The tree needs to be pollinated by bees and other insects.

Medlars are too hard to be eaten immediately and need to undergo a softening period after picking.

The trees are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.

Harvesting Loquats

It’s important that any fruit fully ripens on the tree before harvesting.

It takes around three months from the time the flowers to open to the fruit to mature.

Loquats are ready when the stem turns a yellow-orange color and it pulls away easily.

Loquats are best eaten soon after harvesting as they don’t have a long shelf life.

Stored in the fridge, they may last up to one week.

Plant it in a pot at least 10 to 16 inches in diameter and large drainage holes.

Fill the pot with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.

Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.

Pruning

Pruning loquat trees is necessary to improve fruit production.

Prune the tree in late winter to early spring before the new growth starts.

Maintain the height of mature trees at 6 to 12 feet to make harvesting easier.

When pruning, also remove any dead or diseased branches.

If the fruit set is heavy, thin the fruit clusters to increase the fruit size.

Remove any flowers or tiny fruits over 4 to 6 fruit per cluster.

Propagating a Loquat Tree

Propagating loquat trees is not recommended for home gardeners.

Most loquat trees sold in the nursery trade aregrafted seedlings.

Water the tree to keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.

The biggest enemy of the fruit is the Caribbean fruit fly.

To protect the growing fruit, place the entire fruit cluster inside a paper bag.

The trees are also susceptible to various fungal diseases, the most serious of them fire blight.

Remove infected branches promptly and apply a fungicide designed to treat fire blight.

Other potential diseases include rots, cankers, blight, scab, and leaf spot.

Yes, and it is delicious.

It is eaten fresh and used in preserves, compotes, jellies, and pastries.

100 feet between different varieties is best forcross-pollination.

Nispero is the Spanish name for the loquat tree as well as the fruit.

North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.

Loquat Growing in the Florida Home Landscape.

University of Florida Extension.

Pollination Requirements for Tree and Small Fruits.

Iowa State University Extension and Research.