How to grow Loquat in Australia
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil, tolerant of a range of conditions once established. Water regularly while young and during fruiting for plump fruit, then it handles dry spells well.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 6 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 365 days (about 1 year)
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to February | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to February | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to February | Thrives in Sydney. Fruits late winter when nothing else does. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to February | Reliable in sheltered spots. Flowers in winter, fruit in spring. |
| Adelaide & SA | March and April, September and October | Plant Mar to Apr or Sep to Oct. Loquats are very tough in Adelaide; the winter flowers can be nipped by hard frost in the Hills. |
| Perth & WA | March and April, September and October | Plant Mar to Apr ahead of the winter rains, or Sep to Oct. Tough once established; net the fruit against birds and fruit fly. |
| Tasmania | October and November | Marginal. The tree is hardy but winter flowers get frosted inland. Mild coastal gardens only. Plant Oct to Nov after the last frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | The tree survives but it flowers and fruits in winter, so frost destroys the crop. Rarely fruits in Canberra. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Plant May to Aug in the dry with regular watering. Crops on the Atherton Tablelands; on the hot coast the tree grows but rarely fruits. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Loquat flowers in cool autumn weather. No fruiting without a cool season. |
Varieties
- Nagasakiwase
- Seedling
Companion planting
Good companions
- Fruit trees
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when fruit is fully coloured, soft to a gentle squeeze and sweet. Snip clusters or pluck individual fruit, and harvest over a few weeks as they ripen.
Storage
Fridge for 1 week. Make into jam or freeze pulp for longer storage.