Tree is a 5-year old, 12 ft tall seedling tree in Rockledge, Florida (32955). Profusely fruits every year without any care or water. Very sweet, good size fruits.
Close-up of a ripe fruit.
Any idea how old a tree must be before it bears fruit? I've had one in the ghouse for 3 yrs now, no fruit. It's also very tall, a bit leggy, and was wondering if I should top it to encourage more leaves and branches. Any ideas?
By the way Thaumaturgist, great pics you put in the database! Thanks. (You must be living up to your name, eh?) (And welcome to DG!)
Hi Horseshoe! I had a spindly loquat planted in a large pot (looked like a stick-in-a-pot) that languished in neglect for about eight years (I was in an apartment with no yard space).
When we bought this house about two years ago, I planted the loquat in the ground. Since in-ground planting, the tree has grown tremendously. Last year, it had some fruit, but this year, it really took off and was loaded with fruit!
I would imagine that your three-year-old tree is ready to bear. Perhaps some new soil, or nutrients, or a bit more direct sun would help?
This is how my stick-in-a-pot looks now, after in-ground planting.
--Jean
Thanks Horseshoe.
I intend to post photos of other Loquat varieties.
After all, I believe in learning by sharing.
Being in a greenhouse, do you think that it is NOT
getting any pollinators?
Although there is no definite age for fruit bearing
for Loquat, your tree seems to be ready to fruit
possibly anytime. Question is: When?
Thauma...I've never seen it begat flowers, just leaves. Was thinking of planting it outside, in the ground but am uneasy about that. We're in zone 7, the database shows it is hardy in this zone, but not sure that it would bear fruit cuz of the cold Spring and Fall.
Howdy Sweetpea...you may be right, I should repot and/or feed it a bit. Maybe I'll move it to a giant pot, put it outside and give it a go that way.
PS...I hope ya'll get so many loquat fruits you have to ship them outta your state! ;>)
I had this little tree hanging around so long that I forgot and began confusing it with a kumquat tree. A few weeks ago, it was COVERED with fruit. I plucked one, split it open, and was disgusted by the smooth, wet-looking seed because it reminded me of a roach! I dropped it on the ground as if it had bitten me. LOL.
A man, who was working on the street's sewer line, came to my door and asked if he could have a few of the fruits. I handed him a large bag and BEGGED him to take ALL of them. :)
As a side-note, he told me that people in Louisiana call them "mespalees" (that is a phoenetic spelling -- I made him repeat it three times and that is what it sounded like he was saying, but he didn't know the correct spelling). Although I have lived here all my life, I have never heard the fruit called anything except Japanese plums.
Next year, I'm gonna stick a sign on the lawn: "Free Japanese Plums -- Take All You Want." (Then I won't have to deal with that ugly-on-the-inside-roach-looking fruit - LOL).
Mercy me! You just don't know what you're missing! Try closing your eyes and eating one. You'll love 'em!
I just recv'd some seeds in a trade today. How do I germinate them? Please help.
Thanks
yeah but which is better...
eating the fruit?
or smelling the flowers?
Teresa1288
Hoping that the seeds are from this year's crop or otherwise viable, you can soak them in water for few days.
Then put them in a pot of potting soil, about 1/4 inch
under the surface. Keep the pot in a warm bright place
away from direct sun and keep the soil moist.
Now that is what I had done and I'm sure experts have better
ways to germinate.
Good luck.
