Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Also known as Japanese medlar; Japanese plum; Chinese plum; Lukat, Lugath (India); lokwat (Maylay and Indonesian); pipa, luju (China); naspli (Malta); níspero, nispero japones (Spain); nêspera, ameixa do Japao (Portugal); magnório, magnólio (northern Portugal); nespolo (Italy)

The following plant information was last updated on 8/1/2021.

This plant was propagated on Spring 2020

This plant was last up-potted on 8/1/2021

Plant Type: subtropical evergreen fruit shrub/tree

Plant Family: Rose family

Native Region(s): southeastern and central China

Landscape Use: bush/shrub, tree

Height: 16–33 feet maximum, usually 10–13 feet

Spread: 15-20 feet

Spacing: 25-30 feet or more away from structures, electrical lines, and other trees

Hardiness Zones: 8-11

Hardy Down To: 8° to 10°F (flowers and fruit are killed by temperatures below 27°F)

Light: full sun

Water: Newly planted loquat trees should be watered at planting and every other day for the first week or so and then 1 to 2 times a week for the first couple of months. For the first 3 years, water once a week during prolonged dry periods (e.g., 5 or more days of little to no rainfall). Once the rainy season arrives, reduce or stop watering. Once loquat trees are 4 or more years old, water them during the fruit development period and during prolonged dry periods.

Soil: well-drained soils, from fertile loamy soils to clay to gravelly limestone-based soils

Pollination Type: self-fertile; 2+ trees increases fruit yield

Maintenance: During the first 1 to 2 years after planting, prune young trees by tipping shoots in excess of 2 to 3 ft. Tipping will increase branching. Trees may be trained to a modified central leader or open center configuration. Mature trees may be selectively pruned to maintain trees at 6 to 12 feet in height.

Fertilize: For the first year of growth, starting about a month after planting, fertilize with 1/4 pound of 6-6-6 fertilizer every two months. If you prefer organic fertilizer, 2 to 3 pounds of aged manure, a tablespoon of rock phosphate and 2 tablespoons of greensand will provide the same nutrients. When the tree begins to produce fruit, fertilize just prior to flowering, in March and in midsummer. Apply 1 pound of the 6-6-6 fertilizer for every 8 feet of tree height. This is equivalent to 8 to 12 pounds of aged manure, 4 tablespoons of rock phosphate and 8 tablespoons of greensand. Spread the fertilizer evenly from 1 foot away from the trunk to 1 to 2 feet outside the tree canopy. If the leaves turn brown around the edges or there is excessive growth in the summer, apply fertilizer only in November and March.

Season(s) of Interest: flowers appear in the autumn or early winter; fruit begins to ripen during spring to summer

Culinary Uses: Eaten fresh alone or in fruit salad, as sauces, jam, jelly, chutney, gelatin desserts, poached in light syrup, juices, smoothies, batidos (Equador), alcohol, fruit wine, nespolino liqueur (Italian, from the seeds). Made into confections. Firm, slightly immature fruits are best for making cobblers, pies, or tarts. 

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