The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is an evergreen fruit tree with large, leathery leaves and clusters of sweet, apricot-colored fruit. This guide covers growing one from seed, plus our own grow log from the Spring Mason kit.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Eriobotrya japonica |
|---|---|
| Native range | Southern China (despite the species name, it is not native to Japan) |
| Mature size | 15 to 30 feet tall and wide |
| Lifespan | [Your data: lifespan] |
| Sunset climate zones | 6 to 24, H1, and H2 (USDA zones 8 to 11) |
| Annual growth rate | [Your data: ft per year] |
| Seed source | [State] [Year] |
| Time to germinate | [Your data: days from sowing to sprout in the kit] |
| Difficulty | [Your rating: easy / moderate / challenging] |
Seed and germination
- Scarification (soaking): [Your data]
- Cold Stratification: [Your data]
- Germination: [Your data]
Watch our loquat seeds go from sowing to sprout on our YouTube channel, @SpringMasonTV.
Growing in the kit
[Your data: how the kit is set up, how much water the reservoir holds, how often to refill it, where to place it for light, and what temperatures work.]
Loquat is a broad evergreen tree that fruits best in full sun.
Year one and beyond
[Your data: milestones, such as first true leaves, height at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and when a seedling is ready to move to a larger pot or the ground.]
Devil Mountain Nursery lists a mature size of 15 to 30 feet tall and wide.
Our grow log
| Date | Stage | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Date sown] | Sown | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | Germinated | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | [Stage] | [Height] | [Your notes] |
[Time-lapse video goes here.]
Troubleshooting and FAQ
My seeds are not sprouting. Not every seed is viable. [Your data: how many seeds are in the vial and the germination rate we see.]
My seedling is collapsing or has gray mold. Seedlings are prone to damping-off, a fungal problem linked to excess moisture and poor airflow. [Your data: what to look for and what to do.]
Can I plant it outside? Devil Mountain Nursery lists loquat for Sunset zones 6 to 24, H1, and H2, and USDA zones 8 to 11. [Your data: climate guidance and timing.]
Sources
- Devil Mountain Nursery, Eriobotrya japonica (size, Sunset and USDA zones)