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Loquats

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Category

tropical

Price

KES 300

Time to Fruit

2 years

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Loquats seedling successfully

Watering

Prefers 800-1,200 mm of well-distributed rainfall annually. Young trees need watering twice a week until well established. Mature trees can survive on rainfall but benefit from supplemental drip irrigation during dry spells and fruiting season (November-February). Ensure consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.

Sunlight

Needs full sun for fruiting—avoid planting under tree shade or on slopes that face away from the sun. Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit quality.

Soil Requirements

Well-drained sandy loam or red loam, pH 5.5-6.5. Avoid swampy or clay-heavy zones. Test soil pH and amend with organic matter if needed. Mix topsoil with 10-15 kg of well-rotted manure per planting hole.

Temperature

Optimal temperature range is 10°C-28°C. Sensitive to extreme heat or prolonged frost. Grows best at altitudes of 1,200-2,300 meters above sea level in temperate and subtropical conditions.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure (10-15 kg per hole) at planting. Apply NPK 8-8-8 quarterly, with extra nitrogen during active growth periods.

Spacing

4m x 4m for small to medium trees; 5m x 5m for larger varieties. About 100-150 trees per acre. Adjust spacing based on variety and expected tree size at maturity.

Time to Fruit

Grafted trees begin flowering after 2 years. Fruits ripen between October and February. Flowering occurs in July to September. Pollination is mostly by bees—so protect pollinators! Thinning fruits helps improve size and uniformity.

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

  • Fruit Flies (bag fruits or use traps)
  • Birds (install netting or scare devices)
  • Aphids and Scales (control with neem oil or insecticidal soap)

Diseases:

  • Fire Blight (prune infected parts and burn them, spray copper fungicides preventively)
  • Powdery Mildew & Leaf Spot (use sulfur-based organic sprays, ensure spacing and airflow)

Harvesting:

  • Fruits are ready when skin turns fully yellow or golden-orange
  • fruit softens slightly to the touch
  • and it detaches easily without pulling hard. Use scissors or handpick carefully. Avoid overripe fruits as they spoil quickly post-harvest. Popular varieties include Advance (early maturing, medium-sized, sweet, ideal for local markets)
  • Big Jim (very large fruits, sweet taste, soft flesh, popular for snacking)
  • Gold Nugget (high yields, rich golden color, tangy-sweet flavor, great for fresh sale)
  • Tanaka (larger fruit, firm texture, more acidic—ideal for processing)

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Aphid Infestation

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.

Scale Insects

Use horticultural oil or neem oil during dormant season. Prune heavily infested branches. Maintain plant health to reduce susceptibility. Scrape off scales manually for small infestations.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Ready to start growing?

Order this premium Loquats seedling today and begin your agricultural success story