A loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) produces small fruit, under the right circumstances. Climate, tree age, growing conditions and available pollinators are all factors in whether a loquat tree bears fruit or not. But
A loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) produces small fruit, under the right circumstances. Climate, tree age, growing conditions and available pollinators are all factors in whether a loquat tree bears fruit or not. But even without fruita loquat tree makes an attractive ornamental. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
Fruit Bearing Age
A fruitless loquat tree might simply be too young to produce a fruit crop. There are two ways to propagate a loquat tree: from seed or by grafting. A loquat tree grown from seed can take eight to 10 years to produce a crop of fruit. Grafted trees take considerably less time bearing fruit and can produce a crop at 2 to 3 years old. Most commercial growers propagate loquat, and other fruit trees, by grafting. If you buy a tree from a nursery, it start producing a year or two after planting.
Climate is an important factor in loquat tree fruit production. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit when the flowers are in bud, they will die prematurely and fail to produce fruit. Once fruit starts to develop, a drop to 25 F will cause the fruit to die and fall. Loquat trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 12 F, but the tree might not bear fruit in that year.
While some loquat tree varieties are self-fertile, many are not. A self-fertile tree has both male and female flowers and will produce fruit on its own. A tree that is not self-fertile will only produce when planted near enough another loquat tree for cross-pollination to occur. A tree that is only partially self-fertile will produce without being paired with another tree, but fruit production will be reduced. Bees are the primary pollinators of loquat trees, so if there are no bees, you should expect a small crop.
Depending on the variety, a loquat tree will produce fruit with white flesh or orange to yellow flesh. A partially self-fertile cultivar, "Tanaka" produces fruit with orange skin and yellow-orange flesh. Another partially self-fertile variety grown for its sweet-flavored cream-colored fruit is "Advance." The "Pale Yellow" cultivar is partially self-fertile and with white flesh and is slightly acidic. A fully self-fertile variety