Loquat

Background

• The loquat prefers the subtropics, but will grow in temperature regions.
• It is an evergreen species and produces soft and juicy fruit with a flavour more similar to cherries.
• The loquat probably originated in China and was then imported into Japan.
• Fruit ripens in later Spring and early Summer.
• Leaves are very large, spear shaped with prominent veins. Fallen leaves create a natural mulch at the base of the tree.
• Flowers appear in winter and are self fertile. Only 10% of flower buds eventually form fruit.
• Fruits ripen to an orange or yellow colour and become more fragrant as they ripen.
• Protect fruits from birds with nets, or collect fruits just as they mature before the birds can get to them.
• Fruits contain between 3 and 5 large stones.

Cultivation and Training

• Loquats will grow in poor soils and will tolerate heavier clay soils.
• Loquats don't like alkaline soils (lime soils).
• Best soils are acid loam or clayey soils.
• Trees require a sunny location. Portect from high winds.
• Plant new trees in Autumn.
• The tree is drought resistance, but will require irrigation for fruit production.
• The loquat is a heavy feeder and will become unproductive unless compost fertiliser is added.
  • A citrus fertiliser is suitable.
  • One annual heavy application of mature compost is also recommended.
• Training is not essential, however three to five branches starting 1m above the ground is advised.

Pruning

• Prune after harvest.
• Focus on internal thinning to allow light to enter the tree's centre.
• Remove diseased or damaged branches.
• Pruning is similar to the tidy-up that is applied to citrus.
• Fruit thinning is important for loquats because they are prone to over-bearing.

Harvesting

• Early varieties will ripen in late October, and late varieties in mid-December.
• Loquats can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 month.

Pests and Diseases

• Birds - try netting or simply collecting fruit as it ripens.
• Light brown apple moth
• Fruit fly - use the Cera Trap - Organic Fruit Fly Trap and the Go Natural Citrus Gall Wasp And Medfly Insect Trap as a preventative measure to capture fruit flies. Remove all fallen fruit from beneath the tree and dispose of damaged fruit by submersion in water.

Propagation

• Propagaged by budding on pear or quince rootstock.
• Quince rootstock will produce a dwarfed tree