Loquats can be found in Asian markets and other exotic fruit stores.
Some growers caution against growing loquat trees from seeds if you plan on eating the fruit, as you don’t know exactly how the fruit will turn out. In fact, it may not produce fruit at all. [3] X Research source However, it will make a perfectly fine ornamental plant either way. Purchasing a small sapling is a better idea if you want it to grow fruit.
Loquat seeds won’t need to be stratified or scored them like some other seeds do. [6] X Research source Water the seeds after you plant them in their pots. Keep watering them lightly once a day until they begin sprouting. After that, water the pods when they’re dry.
If you are planting in a place with mild winters, plant it outside in the fall. If you have colder winters, plant the tree outside in early spring. [10] X Research source If you are planting more than one tree, it should be planted 25 to 30 feet away from the next loquat tree. If it’s a dwarf tree, you may get away with only 13 feet or so apart.
Give enough water to soak the roots but don’t leave standing water.
The tree will need 1 cup (240 milliliters) of fertilizer for each year of growth in the first 3 years (1 cup [240 milliliters] in the first year, 2 cups [480 milliliters] in the second year, etc. ). However, you should spread it out in three to four applications over the year. Once the tree is older, you’ll need to use a pound per inch of trunk, spread out over the year.
When it does bear fruit, wait for the fruit to ripen on the tree. These fruits don’t ripen well off the tree. Look for the proper color based on the variety you’re growing to determine ripeness.
