The loquat is a beautiful, fruit-bearing tree that is native to China. These large trees can grow to 25 feet tall and sport beautiful glossy green leaves and small fragrant flowers in late fall, making them a favorite amongst decorative trees. The loquat also produces tasty fruit. A mature, healthy loquat tree can produce up to 300 lbs. of fruit when grown in a subtropical or warm temperate climate. However, when planted from seed, many loquats can take up to a decade to produce fruit if they fruit at all. Therefore, growers with succulent loquat fruit in mind should start with a seedling purchased from a reputable nursery.
Choose an appropriate location for your loquat tree. For maximum fruit production, it should be placed where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day. However, while it should be offered some protection from the wind and cold if possible, be sure to keep it at least 25 feet away from any buildings, other trees or electrical lines. Unpruned loquat trees can grow to be quite large.
Loquat trees can grow in virtually any type of soil. However, the soil must have adequate drainage. Avoid areas that retain water after a heavy rain.
Remove a circle of grass (or weeds or any other debris) within a 10-foot diameter centered around the spot where you plan to plant your loquat tree. Be sure to remove the root systems of any plants that you uproot. In the center of that circle, dig a hole that is three times the width of your loquat tree's current container and just as deep.
Remove the loquat tree from its container. In nurseries, loquat trees are often grown in a soil-less medium that will make it difficult for the roots to establish themselves in the soil. To prevent this, run water from a hose all over the root ball to remove 1 inch of the growing medium on all sides to expose the roots.
Plant your loquat tree in the soil. The top of the tree's root ball should be slightly higher than the surrounding ground. Pile some soil underneath it if it is not. Then, fill the hole with the soil you removed. When it is filled, tamp the soil down with your feet to remove any air pockets.
Water the tree thoroughly.
Spread a 4-inch layer of bark mulch over the 10-foot circle that you dug. Take care to keep the mulch at least a foot away from the trunk of the tree.