Loquats are one of our favorite springtime treats! Somewhere between a peach and a tangerine in flavor, Loquats are juicy and delicious. The trees are quite attractive, with deep evergreen leaves and a handsome upright shape. Loquat flowers smell of perfume and appear twice per year, with the winter bloom resulting in a crop of fruit ready to pick in March-April. One of our most popular and highly recommended trees (See our list of Top 6 Essential Fruit Trees for South Florida), Loquats are a must have in a food forest, and make a great statement piece for front yard landscaping.
Seed-grown Loquat trees are somewhat common, especially in central Florida, but grafted specimens are much more rewarding, producing larger and more flavorful fruit. Typically a grafted Loquat tree will begin to produce in its second year. They thrive in full sun, but will also grow well in partial shade or dappled light conditions. Loquats are drought tolerant once established, needing supplemental water only in drought periods, although regular watering will increase growth and production. The oldest and largest Loquat trees we’ve seen were about 20 feet tall, but in a managed setting they can be easily kept at 8-10 ft by pruning.
A previously under-rated fruit which is gaining in popularity, the Loquat tree is one of our most popular options for homeowners looking for a rewarding and unique fruit tree for their yard. We’ve collected several interesting and tasty varieties over the years, and producing grafted Loquat trees is one of our nursery’s highest priorities– that’s how good they are!
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Size: Easily kept at 10’ with pruning
Sun Requirements: Full sun, or partial shade
Cold Hardy: 10º F, flowers are damaged below 27º
Harvest Season: Spring
Watering requirements: Moderately drought tolerant, benefits from supplemental watering
