How to Grow Loquat in Australia
A warm-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Loquat rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$8-15/kg when available. Fruits in winter when nothing else does.
This guide covers when to plant Loquat in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Loquat is a warm-season crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Nagasakiwase
Large fruit, sweet, juicy. Early ripening. The best named variety for Australian gardens.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, garden centres
Seedling
Common volunteer loquats. Variable fruit quality but often excellent. Usually free.
Try: Everywhere. Ask a neighbour or plant a seed
Position and Soil
Give Loquat full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+, though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Loquat into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Eriobotrya japonica. Evergreen tree with sweet orange fruit in late winter to early spring, when no other tree fruit is available. The ultimate backyard fruit tree for Australian conditions. Tough, drought-tolerant once established. Self-fertile. Seedling trees are common (and productive). Great shade tree.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly and Birds. The main diseases to watch are Fire blight. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Loquat is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fridge for 1 week. Make into jam or freeze pulp for longer storage.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, loquat is good eaten fresh out of hand, made into loquat jam and chutney, poached in syrup and used in crumbles and cakes. Nutritionally: rich in vitamin A and potassium and contains pectin fibre.
Companion Planting
Loquat grows well alongside Fruit trees. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Loquat Growing
Add loquat to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Loquat in Australia?
Loquat is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in September, October, November, December, January and February. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Loquat take to grow?
Loquat is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Loquat need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Loquat in the Plant Library
