Loquat trees are an evergreen fruit tree native to southeastern China. The Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a small tropical fruit tree that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is also known as the Japanese plum. It is known for its small, orange-yellow, and juicy fruit that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Loquat trees are a very hardy evergreen, drought tolerant, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. They are also known for their tolerance to wind and salt spray, making them a good choice for coastal regions. At first I didn’t have much interest in them, but due to their hardiness, I’ve since moved them up into my top five fruit trees to start a landscape or food forest with. They have ornamental value and are already placed in neighborhood landscapes. They can also grow quite big and bushy and provide lots of shade when mature. The fruit is oval in shape and can range from yellow to orange when ripe. Loquat trees are easy to grow and care for and make a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Loquat trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are drought tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells will help ensure healthy growth and fruit production. When planting a loquat tree, dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree’s root ball and plant it at the same depth it was previously growing. Do not amend the native soil. Loquat trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Fertilize loquat trees with a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring and summer. Mulching around the base of the tree will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and shape the tree.
Loquat trees are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) for short periods. However, extended periods of freezing temperatures can damage the tree and reduce fruit production.
When choosing varieties of Loquat to grow in your food forest, consider selecting a cultivar that is well-suited to the specific growing conditions in your area. Some varieties for central Florida include:
‘Big Jim’: This variety is known for its large fruit size and high yield.
‘Champagne’: This variety is known for its sweet and juicy fruit with a high sugar content.
‘Fukushu’: This variety is known for its large and sweet fruit and tolerance to cold temperatures.
Loquats are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without the need for cross-pollination. However, planting multiple trees can increase fruit production and improve fruit quality.
Loquat trees typically take about 2-3 years from planting to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. The fruit should be picked when it is fully ripe, which is when the fruit is orange or yellow in color and slightly soft to the touch. To harvest, simply pick the fruit off the tree with your fingers. Loquat fruit does not continue to ripen after being picked, so it is important to harvest the fruit at the right time.
Loquat fruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, and baking, or dried and used as a sweetener. The fruit can be eaten as is, or used in a variety of culinary applications such as pies, jams, jellies, and syrups.
Loquat trees can be propagated by seed or by grafting. Seed propagation is simple but can result in trees with variable fruit quality. Grafting is a more reliable method of propagation and allows for the selection of specific fruit varieties.
Loquats are relatively pest and disease resistant. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Loquat trees can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. These diseases can be controlled by ensuring good air circulation around the tree, avoiding overhead watering, and treating with a fungicide if necessary.