Loquats, a fruit tree from southeast Asia, grows best in tropical and warm temperate climates. The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit, but the blossoms, which are produced in the fall or early winter, freeze at 26 to 27 degrees. It will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 11 but may not always produce fruit in zone 8. Temperatures above 95 degrees may cause leaf scorch and damage to the fruit, further limiting where it can be grown.
For the first year of growth, starting about a month after planting, fertilize with 1/4 pound of 6-6-6 fertilizer every two months. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium in the fertilizer. If you prefer organic fertilizer, 2 to 3 pounds of aged manure, a tablespoon of rock phosphate and 2 tablespoons of greensand will provide the same nutrients.
When the tree begins to produce fruit, fertilize just prior to flowering, in March and in midsummer. Apply 1 pound of the 6-6-6 fertilizer for every 8 feet of tree height. This is equivalent to 8 to 12 pounds of aged manure, 4 tablespoons of rock phosphate and 8 tablespoons of greensand. Spread the fertilizer evenly from 1 foot away from the trunk to 1 to 2 feet outside the tree canopy.
Minor nutrients may also be needed. A foliar fertilizer of magnesium, a secondary nutrient, and the micronutrients manganese, zinc, boron and molybdenum should be applied two to three times between April and November. These are mixed with water and sprayed on the leaves. Follow the label directions and do not apply too much as this could cause leaf burn. If the soil is alkaline, mix 1/2 pound iron chelate with 4 to 5 gallons of water and pour onto the soil around the edge of the tree canopy.
If the leaves turn brown around the edges or there is excessive growth in the summer, apply fertilizer only in November and March. Yellow leaves with green veins indicate a deficiency in micronutrients, generally iron. This is most common in alkaline soil. Sulfur can be mixed with the soil under the tree to reduce the pH and make the micronutrients more available. Micronutrients can also be bound up by phosphates, so reduce or eliminate phosphate application if the leaves turn yellow .
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