The loquat tree, Eriobotrya japonica, is a beautiful evergreen known for its glossy foliage and small, tangy-sweet fruits, often called Japanese plums. These trees can be a rewarding addition to a home garden, and growing them from the seeds of a ripe fruit is a viable method. While this approach requires patience compared to purchasing a pre-grafted sapling, this process begins immediately upon harvesting the fruit, as the seeds have specific requirements to remain viable for planting.
Preparing Loquat Seeds for Successful Planting
The first step after enjoying the fruit is the immediate preparation of the seeds. Each loquat fruit typically contains between one and four large, brown seeds that must be completely stripped of any remaining fruit pulp. This sugary residue is a breeding ground for mold and fungi, which can quickly cause the seed to rot.
Rinsing the seeds under cool running water and lightly scrubbing them ensures all fleshy material is removed. Loquat seeds are classified as recalcitrant, meaning they cannot tolerate drying out and will rapidly lose their ability to germinate if stored dry. For the highest success rate, the seeds should be planted as soon as possible after cleaning.
The planting medium should be light and offer excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. A good choice is a soilless mix, such as a combination of peat moss or coconut coir blended with perlite or vermiculite. This mixture provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention without the heavy compaction found in standard garden soil.
Germination and Initial Seedling Care
Once the seeds are clean, they should be sown shallowly into the prepared medium. An ideal planting depth is about one inch, or roughly equal to the thickness of the seed itself.
Loquat seeds germinate best in a warm, consistent environment, with temperatures ideally maintained at or above 70°F (21°C). Covering the container with a clear plastic dome or bag can help trap moisture and maintain the necessary high humidity. The soil must be kept consistently moist throughout this period, but excessive saturation should be avoided to prevent fungal issues.
Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks, depending on the freshness of the seed and the warmth of the environment. Once the first sprout emerges from the soil, the plastic cover should be removed to allow for air circulation. The young seedling requires bright light to thrive, such as a position near a sunny window or beneath a dedicated grow light, but it should be protected from harsh, direct midday sun.
Transplanting and Long-Term Tree Establishment
When the loquat seedling reaches about six inches in height and has developed several true leaves, it is ready for its first transplant into a larger container. If the tree is to be moved outdoors, a process called hardening off must be completed. This involves gradually introducing the young tree to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours a day in a sheltered spot and slowly increasing its exposure to direct sun and wind over a period of one to two weeks.
The final planting location should prioritize a spot that receives full sun. Loquat trees are adaptable to various soil types but will benefit from the addition of organic matter to the planting hole to improve drainage. Young trees require consistent watering, especially during periods of drought or intense heat.
Seed-grown loquats will take several years to mature into fruit-producing trees. While grafted trees may fruit quickly, a loquat grown from seed typically requires eight to ten years or more before it develops the clusters of white flowers. Pruning can be employed to shape the young tree and manage its size. A balanced fertilizer applied a few times a year is the main ongoing care requirement.