The loquat tree, Eriobotrya japonica, offers both ornamental appeal and edible fruit. Its large, glossy, evergreen leaves create a distinct tropical appearance. Small, fragrant white flowers bloom during the fall or early winter, a time when most other fruit trees are dormant. The resulting fruit ripens in the spring, providing a harvest of sweet, apricot-like globes rarely found in commercial grocery stores. These resilient trees are widely available, making the process of acquiring one straightforward for the home gardener.
Purchasing Loquat Trees from Online Retailers
Specialized mail-order fruit tree nurseries and large e-commerce platforms offer the widest selection of loquat cultivars, which is a major benefit for buyers outside traditional subtropical zones. Purchasing online allows access to varieties specifically bred for superior fruit quality or increased cold tolerance, such as ‘Yehuda’ or ‘Champagne,’ which local nurseries may not stock. These online suppliers typically ship the trees as either containerized stock or bare-root specimens, depending on the season.
Containerized trees are shipped in their pots with the root ball intact, leading to less transplant shock and allowing for planting across a broader part of the year. Conversely, bare-root trees are dormant, shipped without soil, and must be planted immediately upon arrival, usually in late winter or early spring according to the buyer’s USDA hardiness zone. When selecting an online vendor, it is prudent to check reviews regarding their live plant shipping practices, as the health of the tree upon arrival is dependent on careful packaging and transit time. Many reputable nurseries offer guarantees on the plant’s survival for the first year, which provides a layer of security for the investment. Shipping costs can be a significant factor, especially for larger container sizes, so buyers should compare total costs from multiple specialized sources.
Locating Trees at Local and Regional Nurseries
For immediate planting and personalized advice, local and regional nurseries remain excellent sources for loquat trees, often stocking specimens that are larger and more established than mail-order options. Dedicated, independent garden centers are more likely to carry cultivars proven to thrive in the specific microclimate of the region, ensuring successful fruiting. These smaller nurseries often have staff with deep knowledge of local growing conditions, including common pests and soil requirements, which general big-box stores cannot match.
While larger home improvement stores and chain garden centers may offer loquats, they often sell generic seedling stock or a limited selection of common varieties under a general “loquat” label. The primary advantage of local sourcing is the ability to physically inspect the tree before purchase. Loquat trees are typically available in containers ranging from three to fifteen gallons, with the optimal time for purchase and planting often coinciding with the local spring season. Buyers should contact the nursery ahead of time to confirm the specific cultivars and container sizes they have in stock, particularly if seeking a named variety for fruit production.
Selecting the Best Variety and Specimen
The best loquat tree for purchase depends heavily on the intended outcome, whether for strictly ornamental purposes or for a reliable harvest of high-quality fruit. For superior fruit production, a named cultivar is highly recommended over a generic seedling, as seedlings produce variable fruit quality and take longer to bear. Varieties like ‘Big Jim’ are prized for their notably large fruit size, while ‘Gold Nugget’ is recognized for its sweet flavor and consistent production. Most modern cultivars are considered self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit, but planting two different cultivars, such as ‘Advance’ and ‘Champagne,’ can significantly increase overall fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
When inspecting a physical specimen, focus on the health of the root system and the condition of the trunk. Avoid trees that appear “root-bound,” where the roots circle tightly around the inside of the container, as this condition severely hinders proper establishment after planting. A healthy tree will have vibrant, dark green foliage without spots or discoloration, which can indicate disease or pest infestation.
If the tree is grafted—which is typical for named cultivars—ensure the graft union, the slightly swollen area where the scion meets the rootstock, is clean, fully healed, and several inches above the soil line. Choosing a specimen with a straight central leader and well-spaced lateral branches will also contribute to a strong, productive tree structure.