Page 29 - Edible Trees For Tucson

P L ANTIN G N O TES
• Chill hours: None required.
• Height/Width: 20-30 feet height and span
15-20 feet in width.
• Lifespan: 100+ years.
• Water needs: Loquat trees are subtropi-
cal and require frequent, deep irrigation
throughout the year.
• Soils: Grow in a variety of soil types.
• Microclimates: Well-established trees can
take a temperature drop to 12ºF; the killing
temperature for the flower buds is about 19°
F, and about 26°F for the mature flowers.
Protect from harsh summer sun as extreme
summer heat may be detrimental to the
crop, and dry, hot winds can cause leaf
scorch.
• Pollination: Flowers are pollinated by
bees. Some types are self pollinated; some
require cross pollination.
CARE
• Loquat trees are resistant to most diseases
and insect damage, though they may be
susceptible to fireblight, scale, insects, fruit
flies and birds.
• Commercial orchards often bag the fruit to
prevent damage. Prune only to shape the
tree for your landscape or garden.
H AR VES T

Loquat fruits should be allowed to ripen
fully before harvesting. When ripe, the
fruit develops a
distinctive orange
color and begins to
soften. Fruits can
be eaten fresh and
used to make jam,
jelly and chutney;
they are delicious
simmered in light
sugar syrup.

29