Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Also known as: Japanese plum, Nespola

The loquat is an evergreen tree originally from China, now also found in various parts of Asia, Southern Europe, and North America. The fruit of the loquat can be enjoyed raw, added to salads, or made into jam. Notably, it is used in Italy to produce nespolino liqueur. However, it's important to note that the seeds are not edible.

Attributes of Loquat

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

3 m to 10 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.2 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Loquat

Quickly Identify Loquat

Woolly hairs cover stem and underside of leaves, providing unique texture for identification.

Fruit transitions from green to gold with fleshy flesh and 1-5 large enclosed seeds.

Leaves are dark green, wrinkled, leathery, with toothed edges; simple, alternate, elliptic-lanceolate.

White to whitish-pink fragrant flowers with rusty, brownish haired stems and sepals.

Robust evergreen plant vulnerable to temperatures below 28°F (-2°C), producing 3-6 inches summer panicles.

Scientific Classification of Loquat

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Eriobotrya

Species

Loquat

Planting and Growing of Loquat

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Loquat?

Eriobotrya japonica, also known as the loquat tree, thrives when watered deeply. Ensure the soil is moist throughout but not waterlogged. The rule of thumb is to allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings, which helps encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil, promoting a more robust and resilient plant.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Loquat? ›

What should I do if my Loquat is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Loquat? ›

How to save an overwatered Loquat? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Loquat?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Ideal light conditions are full to partial sun, ensuring robust growth and high fruit yield. Adequate sunlight ensures the plant remains healthy, resilient, and productive throughout its life cycle.

What is the ideal light intensity for Eriobotrya japonica? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting conditions? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Loquat?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Eriobotrya japonica lies between 65°F and 77°F. Within these temperatures, the plant exhibits optimal growth and blossom development. These conditions mimic its native temperate climate, promoting healthy foliage and consistent fruiting cycles.

What Soil is Best for Loquat?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Eriobotrya japonica requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Good drainage ensures that excess water does not accumulate around the roots, promoting a healthy growth environment and preventing diseases. A nutrient-rich soil is ideal for Eriobotrya japonica as it provides essential minerals and compounds for robust development. Incorporating organic matter, like compost, can enhance soil fertility and structure. While good drainage is critical, retaining sufficient moisture is equally vital for Eriobotrya japonica, especially during hotter months. This helps maintain a consistent supply of water to the plant without over-saturating it.

How to Fertilize Loquat?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Eriobotrya japonica, using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer is key. When using liquid fertilizers, dilute them to half the recommended strength. Apply about 1 to 2 liters of this diluted fertilizer solution per plant, ensuring the root zone is evenly moistened without over-saturating the soil.

How to Prune Loquat?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the tree for any dead or damaged branches and remove them using clean, sharp pruning shears. Focus on maintaining an open center to allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy. Trim back any long shoots that disrupt the natural shape of the tree. For fruit production, thin out crowded branches to encourage better light penetration and air flow. This also helps in maintaining the shape and size of your loquat tree.

How to Propagate Loquat plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Harvest seeds from the fruit once it is ripe. Clean the seeds and let them dry before starting the propagation process.

Select healthy shoots and cut 10-15 cm sections with several leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting.

Select a healthy rootstock and scion. Make clean cuts on both, ensuring a good cambial contact to facilitate graft union.

How to Repot Loquat plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signals like roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil that seems compacted and no longer absorbs water well. These are tell-tale signs it’s time to repot your Eriobotrya japonica.

Select a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one, ensuring it has good drainage holes. This extra space encourages growth without being overwhelming, while proper drainage prevents root rot.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil that retains some moisture but doesn't stay waterlogged. It provides the necessary nutrients and structure for healthy root growth, mimicking the tree's natural environment.

Toxicity of Loquat

Is Loquat toxic to cat?

Loquat presents a moderate toxicity risk for felines. Cats risk poisoning upon ingesting the plant's seeds. Following consumption, a cat may exhibit signs of distress, indicating the necessity for urgent medical care. It is vital for cat owners to prevent their pets from reaching the seeds and to obtain immediate veterinary assistance if poisoning is suspected. Prompt treatment is critical to mitigate toxic effects and safeguard the health of the affected cat.

Is Loquat toxic to dog?

The loquat plant species is classified as having a moderate toxic level for dogs. This toxicity mainly arises when dogs ingest parts of the plant. The seeds of the loquat are particularly hazardous; if consumed by dogs, they can cause a range of poisoning symptoms. Dog owners should be on high alert for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, and irregular heart rates, which may indicate that their pet has ingested loquat seeds. It is essential for dog owners to act quickly and seek immediate veterinary assistance if they suspect their dog has been poisoned by loquat, as timely treatment is vital for their pet's health and safety.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.