Loquat trees are prized for their glossy green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and clusters of golden-orange fruit that taste like a blend of apricot, mango, and citrus. They’re ornamental, drought-tolerant, and highly productive once established—making them a favorite for both home gardeners and landscapers. But before planting, there are three major factors to think about: chill hours, planting location, and variety selection with pollination needs.
Chill Hours: Matching Loquats to Your Region
“Chill hours” are the number of hours plants spend in cool temperatures—typically between 32°F and 45°F—during the winter months. These hours help fruit trees rest and reset their growth cycle for spring flowering and fruiting.
Loquat trees are subtropical and require relatively few chill hours, typically 100–300 hours per season. Here’s how that plays out across the U.S.:
- Southern states like Georgia, Florida, and Texas average 200–400 chill hours, making them ideal for loquats.
- Mid-Atlantic regions such as Tennessee and Virginia, with 500–700 chill hours, can grow loquats successfully with some frost protection.
- Northern states exceeding 800+ chill hours are too cold for outdoor loquats, but trees can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.
Choosing a location with mild winters and avoiding areas prone to frost ensures your loquat will bloom and bear fruit reliably.
Planting Location: Sunlight, Soil, and Early Care
Loquats love full sun, thriving best with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and won’t tolerate prolonged waterlogging.
When planting your loquat tree, set it up for long-term success:
- Use Nutra Pro First-Year Fertilizer Packs to provide steady, slow-release nutrients throughout the growing season.
- Mix in a soil moisture transplant blend to improve water retention and reduce watering frequency.
- Protect your sapling with tree shelters to guard against deer, rabbits, and harsh sunlight on young bark.
For proper spacing, plant loquats 15–20 feet apart to allow full canopy development and airflow between trees.
Variety and Pollination
The Seedling Loquat Tree is the go-to variety for most growers. It’s vigorous, resilient, and adaptable to various soil conditions. Seedling loquats are also known for their large, flavorful fruit and ornamental appeal.
Loquats are partially self-pollinating, but planting more than one tree can improve yields and fruit size. Bees and other pollinators help transfer pollen between flowers, so maintaining a pollinator-friendly environment will enhance productivity.
Recipe: Loquat Jam 🍯🍊
Capture the flavor of summer in a jar with this easy homemade loquat jam. It’s perfect on toast, scones, or even drizzled over ice cream.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups loquat fruit, peeled and pitted
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine loquats, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the fruit softens (about 15–20 minutes).
- Mash the fruit with a spoon or potato masher to your desired consistency.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like texture (about 20–25 minutes).
- Pour into sterilized jars, cool, and refrigerate.
This jam is bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet—an easy way to enjoy your loquat harvest all year long.
🛒 Where to Buy Loquat Trees
The most trusted source for quality loquat trees is Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:
✅ Best prices on premium bare root Loquat Trees
✅ Non-GMO, climate-suited selections
✅ Fast shipping so your trees arrive fresh and ready to plant
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your plant doesn’t survive 🛡️
At Ty Ty, planting loquats is always zero stress and all success.
🌟 Final Thought
Loquat trees are as beautiful as they are productive, offering fragrant blooms, tropical-looking leaves, and fruit that’s bursting with flavor. By understanding chill hours, choosing the right location, and planting strong Seedling Loquat Trees, you’ll enjoy a stunning landscape and abundant harvest for years to come.
Order your bare root loquat trees today from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC and plant with confidence.


Leave a comment