FREE: SMALL LOQUAT TREE

Climate

The loquat is adapted to a subtropical to mild-temperate climate. In China it grows naturally at altitudes between 3,000 and 7,000 ft (914-2,100 m). In India, it grows at all levels up to 5, 000 ft (1,500 m). In Guatemala, the tree thrives and fruits well at elevations between 3,000 and 6,900 ft (900-1,200 m), but bears little or not at all at lower levels.

Well-established trees can tolerate a drop in temperature to 12° F (-11.11°C). In Japan, the killing temperature for the flower bud is 19.4°F (7°C); for the mature flower, 26.6°F (-3°C). At 25°F (-3.89°C), the seed is killed, causing the fruit to fall.

Loquats are grown on hillsides in Japan to have the benefit of good air flow. Extreme summer heat is detrimental to the crop, and dry, hot winds cause leaf scorch. Where the climate is too cool or excessively warm and moist, the tree is grown as an ornamental but will not bear fruit.

Soil

The tree grows well on a variety of soils of moderate fertility, from light sandy loam to heavy clay and even oolitic limestone, but needs good drainage.

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