Bronze Loquat

1. Planting: First, select a spot where the tree will be in full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day) and has plenty of open space. Allow at least 25 feet from structures, sidewalks, and driveways unless you plan to control the size of the tree by pruning regularly. And it's always good to be sure your area has well-draining soil.

When you're ready to plant, make the hole three times wider than the root ball and three times as deep. Place the tree in the hole, and hold it straight as you backfill with the native soil that was removed. Finally, water to settle the roots and spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the area.

If you're planting in a container, simply select a pot that's about twice as large as your plant's shipped container, use well-balanced potting soil, place your tree, backfill, and water. Then, place your Loquat in front of a sunny window indoors or in a sun-soaked spot on your porch.

2. Watering: Your new Loquat will benefit from a watering every other day for the first week and then 1 to 2 times a week for the first two months. Make sure to water once a week and more during extended periods of drought. During the rainy season, you should not have the need to water the tree at all.

For indoor Loquats, simply check the soil with your index finger. If the soil is dry about 3 inches down, water your Loquat Tree

3. Fertilizing: Your Loquat will require a feeding three times yearly with lawn fertilizer. Use one cup of the fertilizer divided into three applications over the growing season. For the second and third years, increase the amount to 2 cups, spread the fertilizer on the ground and then water.

If you’d rather use an organic method of feeding the tree, then use 2 to 3 pounds of aged manure, 2 tablespoons of greensand (a green-ish type of sandstone) and a tablespoon of rock phosphate.

4. Pruning: During its first couple of years, the Loquat will benefit from a bi-monthly trimming of the branch tips. Keeping them shorter than 3 feet forces the loquat to sprout more branches, which in turn makes more growth surfaces. And remove dead twigs, branches, and leaves as early as possible.