When does a loquat tree flower?
Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica, is an evergreen fruit tree with large leathery leaves. Unlike many temperate fruit trees, it commonly flowers in autumn or winter. This makes winter frosts particularly important for fruit production.
Climate and pollination
Sun, shelter from damaging wind, and well-drained soil are desirable. A tree can survive cold that damages flowers or young fruit, so survival is not equivalent to reliable cropping. Self-fertility varies and cross-pollination may improve set. Grafted trees give more predictable fruit traits. Low frost pockets can be unsuitable even where the wider climate seems mild.
Fruit development and care
Ripe fruits are juicy, yellow to orange, and contain large seeds. Assess taste and firmness as well as skin color; picking unripe fruit does not guarantee equivalent quality after storage. Managing crowded clusters can improve quality. Seeds should not be eaten because they can contain cyanogenic compounds. Pruning should follow the local flowering and harvest cycle rather than removing prospective fruiting shoots indiscriminately.