Learn how to grow this delicious fruit with our Loquat Growing Guide. Get tips on sun requirements, planting, feeding, harvesting and more!

Soil

What soil is good for Loquat?

Loquat trees will grow in most soil types, provided that they are well draining and slightly acidic. 

Like most fruit trees, Loquats require well draining soil. They will not tolerate waterlogged soil and will develop root rot as a result. Avoid planting in heavy clay unless the soil has been amended. Heavy soils can be improved by incorporating gypsum, organic matter and by mounding the soil before planting to improve drainage. 

Position

How much sun does Loquat need?

Loquat trees prefer a full sun position, however will tolerate part sun. Loquat trees need to be sheltered from hot, dry winds. 

Frost Tolerant

Is Loquat frost tolerant?

Yes, mature Loquat trees are generally frost tolerant, however seedlings and small trees will require protection from frost until they have established themselves.  

Spacing

How much space does Loquat need?

Plant Loquat trees a few metres apart. 

Planting

When should I plant Loquat?

It's best to plant a Loquat tree that you have purchased from a nursery. While Loquat trees will grow well from seed, they can take up to 10 years to produce fruit. 

Late autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant most dormant plants. Plants, with the exception of bare-root, can be transplanted at anytime between when the ground thaws and when it freezes (so anytime if you are in a frost free climate). However, if transplanting in the heat of summer, you'll need to be diligent in watering and provide extra shade for your plant in the first few weeks after transplanting.

Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should allow the plant to sit at the same level in the soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with soil ensuring that the crown of the plant, where the roots and stem meet, is level with the soil surface.

Plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Feeding

What do I feed Loquat?

Top-dress the soil around your Loquat tree with well-rotted organic matter in spring, along with a balanced organic fertiliser. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree up to the drip line to retain moisture (be careful not to pile mulch against the tree trunk as this may lead to trunk rot and disease). 

Harvesting

When can I harvest Loquat?

Harvest when the Loquat fruit turns a yellow-orange colour and is soft to touch. Ripe fruit will have no sign of green and will pull away from the stem easily. Fruit is ready for harvest roughly 90 days from flowering. 

Pests

What pests does Loquat get?

Pests that can affect Loquats include: Coddling Moth, Scale, Aphids, Mites,  Fruit Fly, Thrips, Birds, Bats. 

Diseases

What diseases does Loquat get?

Diseases that can affect Loquat include: Fire Blight, Phytophthora Crown Rot, Scab, Collar Rot, Root Rot, Anthracnose. 

Notes

Is there anything else I need to know about Loquat?

Loquat is an ever green tree.

 

Troubleshooting

How do I troubleshoot my growing problems?

The leaves and unripe fruit from a Loquat tree should not be consumed by humans or animals, as they may be toxic. 

Ripe fruit may require protection from birds and other wildlife.  

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