How to Plant Loquat Seeds

Overview

The loquat tree is a small tree growing 20 to 30 feet in height. Its leaves are leathery and evergreen and it produces small, white flowers with a sweet fragrance that blooms throughout fall and into winter. Loquat fruit is 1 to 2 inches in diameter with yellow to red color. It can be sweet or tangy depending on the cultivar and is mainly cooked into jams or jellies. Loquat seeds must be pollinated, as most are not self-fertile. The tree is best used as an ornament or privacy barrier.

Step 1

Purchase at least 20 seeds from your local nursery or order them online. The more seeds you buy, the better your chances of successful germination. If you want the tree to produce quality fruit, plan on grafting a cutting from an existing tree onto your sapling.

Step 2

Wash the seeds and drop them in a bucket of water. Any seeds that float are to be discarded as they are not viable. Plant any seeds that sink.

Step 3

Wrap the viable seeds in damp paper towels. Place the towels in a sunny window or any area that is warm. Make sure the towels stay moist and watch the seeds for any sprouting.

Step 4

Plant any sprouted seed in a small container. Before planting, fill the container with an equal mix of peat moss or compost and native soil. Water the soil, plant the seed 3/4 inch deep (sprout side up) and water the soil again.

Step 5

Keep the soil moist but make sure the bottom tray is never standing in water. Store the container in a warm, partially sunny area.

Step 6

Transplant the tree in early spring when it is more than 6 to 7 inches tall.