Loquat fruiting in 8b

[DAVEinMB]

Just stopped by my parent's house and noticed their loquat has fruit on it. I read this is rare for them in 8b? Either way I'm excited to try some once they ripen. 

[PricklyPearSATC]

They frequently fruit in Z 8b.  If it didn't produce in previous years, it could be maturity of the tree. 

[Reyes Vargas]

Do Loquat do good In hot humid locations?  I wouldn't mind giving them a try if they would survive our 100+ temps in summer.

[Austinpalm]

50 minutes ago, Reyes Vargas said:

Do Loquat do good In hot humid locations?  I wouldn't mind giving them a try if they would survive our 100+ temps in summer.

They grow well in Austin.  So I would say they handle heat fine.  I think they look happier in a little afternoon shade.  Mine would make fruit twice a year. Seemed to like the black Austin clay soil.

[necturus]

They handle heat fine. They look pretty bad in Austin right now and even in Houston. I think there will be some dieback in Houston - will be interesting to see what happens in Austin.

[Jcalvin]

My parents have mature loquats growing in 8b, full sun, here in SE Georgia. They fruit every year.  

[Manalto]

Loquats freely produce fruit in Mobile.  They're pretty common here.  Fruit from seedlings is variable, some quite good.

[DAVEinMB]

18 hours ago, PricklyPearSATC said:

They frequently fruit in Z 8b.  If it didn't produce in previous years, it could be maturity of the tree. 

Awesome! This is the first time seeing fruit on theirs so it was likely a maturity thing. There are some large loquats around town but I don't remember seeing fruit on them, maybe just overlooked without thinking about it. 

[ShadyDan]

Very variable up here in the PNW. I know of a few reliably fruiting trees in 8a/8b on Vancouver Island, but there are also some trees that do not even flower here.  There is a guy who has been selectively breeding loquats to produce here in our cooler climate and I have one of his seedlings. Hoping for the best! 

[Collectorpalms]

I thought mine was dead after 5F, luckily I see new leaves coming on. I pruned it back now that I can see where the dead is. Mine flowers I think late winter and if it gets hit by a freeze at the time then in will not produce fruits in zone 8b. I had it somewhat protected under washingtonia. .. but now it will be on its own in Texas sun.

[amh]

All of my loquats are putting on new growth since the subzero freeze, but all are about a foot shorter. In 8A, I usually get a crop every 3 years dependent on what stage of development is exposed to temperatures below 19F. The trees dont mind the heat and humidity where I live, but if they thrive in Houston, they will grow anywhere in the south.