The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a beautiful ornamental evergreen tree that produces delicious golden-orange fruit. Unlike other stone fruits, loquats are picked in the spring, after the tree has bloomed with beautiful, sweet-smelling white flowers in the late winter. This flexible tree comes from China and Japan, where it is called biwa. It does well in mild climates and has spread widely around the world.
This tree grows in many places in North America, but many gardeners won’t get to enjoy a harvest. The tree will not produce fruit in colder climates. In suitable climate conditions, loquat trees grow fast, 1 to 2 feet per year.
People and animals can get sick from the cyanogenic glycosides that are found in loquat stones, apricot stones, and other stone fruits.
Loquats are beautiful evergreen fruit trees that produce delicious yellow-orange fruits in spring. Native to China, these adaptable trees thrive in warm climates around the world. If you’re considering adding a loquat tree to your garden, you probably want to know – how fast does a loquat tree grow?
The loquat is a rapid grower when cared for properly Under ideal conditions, they can put on up to 3 feet of growth per year. Their growth rate depends on several factors like climate, soil, sunlight exposure, and care With the right growing conditions, you can expect your loquat to start producing fruit in 2-5 years.
An Overview of Loquat Trees
The loquat tree, scientifically known as Eriobotrya japonica, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree in the Rosaceae family. It typically grows 10-25 feet tall and wide.
The loquat has a short trunk with a dense rounded crown. The branches are crooked and woolly when young. The leaves are alternate simple, leathery, and dark green. They are often clustered at the branch tips. The leaves are 6-12 inches long and 3-5 inches wide.
In late autumn to early winter, loquat trees produce clusters of fragrant white flowers. The edible fruit ripens in spring, unlike other stone fruits which bear fruit in summer. The pear-shaped fruit has sweet, tangy yellow-orange flesh and a large seed.
Factors That Determine Loquat Growth Rate
Many factors influence how fast loquat trees grow each year. The major factors include:
Climate and Growing Zone
Loquats thrive in USDA zones 8-11 where winters are mild. They can tolerate brief drops to 10°F when mature. Young trees are damaged if temperatures fall below 25°F.
Loquats grow best where summer temperatures stay below 100°F. High heat causes slower growth. Cool coastal regions often produce the fastest growth.
Sunlight Exposure
Loquats need full sun to partial shade. They require at least 5-6 hours of direct sun daily for good flower and fruit production. Too much shade leads to sparse blooms and small fruits.
Soil Conditions
Loquats prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6-7.5. Heavier clay soils result in stunted growth. Very sandy soils may allow too much drainage.
Irrigation
Newly planted trees need regular watering for fast establishment. Mature loquats are quite drought tolerant but appreciate occasional irrigation during very dry periods.
Tree Age
Younger loquat trees normally grow much faster than mature trees. Growth starts slowing down after the tree begins fruiting, usually around 3-5 years old.
Pruning and Training
Appropriate pruning encourages vigorous growth, especially in the first 5 years. Training young trees also maximizes growth rate.
Variety
Some loquat varieties like ‘Premier’ naturally grow faster than others. Most named cultivars are grafted onto seedling rootstock which promotes quick growth.
Expected Growth Rate by Age
Here is an overview of the expected growth rate of loquat trees by age under ideal conditions:
- Year 1 – 2 to 4 feet
- Year 2 – 3 to 5 feet
- Year 3 – 3 to 5 feet
- Year 4 – 2 to 4 feet
- Year 5 – 2 to 3 feet
- Year 6+ – 1 to 2 feet
As you can see, loquats grow rapidly in their first 5 years when provided with ample sunlight, nutrition, and water. Growth starts slowing down once the tree begins fruiting and diverting energy into flower and fruit production.
Speeding Up Loquat Growth
You can maximize your loquat tree’s growth rate by providing optimal growing conditions, especially in the first 5 years after planting. Here are some tips:
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Choose a sheltered, sunny location protected from strong winds.
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Prepare the soil well by mixing in compost or rotted manure before planting.
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Space trees at least 15-20 feet apart to prevent overcrowding.
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Water young trees regularly, especially during droughts.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring and summer.
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Prune annually to shape and thin out inner branches.
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Train young trees to a trellis or stake to support vertical growth.
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Replace grafted trees that grow poorly with more vigorous varieties.
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Control weeds, insects, and diseases that may slow growth.
Growing Conditions to Slow Down Growth
In some cases, you may need to intentionally restrict loquat growth, like when growing in containers or restricted spaces. Some ways to slow growth include:
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Planting in partial shade rather than full sun locations.
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Allowing roots to become pot-bound in containers.
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Providing minimal irrigation once established.
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Withholding fertilizer applications.
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Avoiding excess nitrogen fertilization which spurs rapid shoot growth.
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Allowing grass and weeds to compete for water and nutrients.
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Planting in heavy, dense clay soils that limit root development.
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Allowing the canopy to become overcrowded.
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Neglecting to prune over many years.
Timeline of Growth and Fruiting
Here is a general timeline of what to expect with a loquat tree planted in zone 9 under ideal conditions:
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Year 1 – The young tree focuses on root and canopy establishment. It may put on 2 to 4 feet of growth. No flowers or fruit.
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Year 2 – The juvenile tree continues growing quickly, putting on 3 to 5 feet of new growth. It may bloom but doesn’t produce fruit yet.
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Year 3 – Growth starts slowing slightly but still reaches 3 to 5 feet. The tree may produce a light first crop of 20-30 fruits.
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Year 4 – Growth slows to around 2 to 4 feet per year. Flowering increases and 50-100 loquats develop.
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Year 5 – The tree slows to 2 to 3 feet of growth annually. Full flowering and a larger fruit crop of 100-300 fruits.
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Year 6 – Growth continues moderating. The tree bears a full crop of 300-500 fruits and reaches maturity.
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Year 7+ – Growth stabilizes at 1 to 2 feet per year. Mature trees produce 400-600 loquats annually.
As you can see, loquats grow rapidly in the first 3 years, then start slowing down as fruit production increases. Most trees begin bearing commercially viable harvests around years 4-5.
Tips for Faster Fruiting
You can help your loquat start fruiting earlier by:
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Choosing early fruiting varieties like ‘Early Red’ or ‘Gold Nugget’.
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Providing optimal growing conditions to accelerate growth.
-Planting multiple varieties within 100 feet for improved pollination.
-Fertilizing in spring and summer to increase flowering.
-Thinning developing fruit to 6-8 per cluster.
-Pruning annually to open up the center of the canopy.
-Protecting flowers and fruits from late frosts with covers.
Final Thoughts
With ample sunshine, fertile soil, frequent watering, and good care, loquat trees can grow up to 3 feet per year. Growth is most vigorous in the first 3-5 years, then starts slowing as the tree fruits. Most loquats will produce worthwhile harvests in their 4th or 5th spring after planting. Paying close attention to your tree’s growing conditions will ensure your loquat grows and fruits as fast as possible.
Pruning
Pruning loquat trees is necessary to improve fruit production. Prune the tree in late winter to early spring before the new growth starts. During the first two years, cut off any shoots that are longer than 2 to 3 feet. This will encourage the plant to branch out. Maintain the height of mature trees at 6 to 12 feet to make harvesting easier. When pruning, also remove any dead or diseased branches.
If the fruit set is heavy, thin the fruit clusters to increase the fruit size. Remove any flowers or tiny fruits over 4 to 6 fruit per cluster.
Pollination
Although loquat trees are considered self-fruitful, planting a second cultivar nearby improves fruit production. The tree needs to be pollinated by bees and other insects.
How to Grow Loquat Trees and Get a TON of Fruit
FAQ
How big is a 3 year old loquat tree?
What is the lifespan of a loquat tree?
Are loquat tree roots invasive?
Do loquat trees need a lot of water?
How fast do loquat trees grow?
It starts with the planting. Loquat trees planted from seeds usually have a slow growth rate – of 12 inches or less. The medium growth rate is 13 to 24 inches, and the fast growth is 25 inches and above. Buying a planted and advanced loquat tree from a garden center is one option for a fast growth rate.
How do you grow a loquat tree?
To slow down the growth rate of your loquat tree, fertilize less frequently. Apply fertilizer only once in midwinter. You also prune the tree to keep it shorter. However, this will result in a wider crown. A loquat tree grown from seed will need up to 10 years before it produces any fruit.
How big does a loquat tree get?
Here’s how it works. Ornamental as well as practical, loquat trees make excellent lawn specimen trees, with whirls of glossy foliage and a naturally attractive shape. They grow about 25 feet (7.5 m.) tall with a canopy that spreads 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 m.) —a size that is well-suited to home landscapes.
Do loquat trees grow in winter?
However, you can try your luck even if you live outside these zones. As long as your winter temperatures don’t fall below 27°F, the loquat tree will grow and bear fruit each year. High temperatures are also a problem. If your summer temperatures go over 95°F the loquat will have a slow growth rate.
Can loquat trees grow in shade?
The loquat tree requires well-draining soil as well as full sun exposure. They can tolerate partial shade, but it will affect the amount of bloom and fruit production. Keep in mind that loquat trees yield soft fruit that can easily fall off when ripe. It’s best to plant trees away from concrete patios, porches, and terraces.
Do loquat trees produce fruit?
The tree might bloom, but the flowers will freeze and fall out. Loquats won’t produce fruit if the soil is too nutritiously poor, too moist, and the place is shady. If you can’t provide better conditions, you can still have fruitless loquats as ornamental trees.