Loquat is a warm-season fruit tree that matches Florida’s climate, adding to the top list of fruit trees that thrive best in Florida. So, why not grow a loquat tree from its seeds at home?
However, at the time of sowing loquat seeds, the right planting time is crucial, which may vary based on diverse factors, including regional climate and plant requirements.
Here, (1) the plant is a loquat, whose seeds don’t need chilling hours like other fruit trees, such as peaches and pears. And the region is Florida, with long growing seasons and mild winters.
Let’s come deeply to the question “when to plant loquat in Florida”! The answer depends on frost dates. The main goal is to protect loquat seeds from frost and allow them to germinate in warm conditions, ideally between 18 and 24 Centigrade.
When to Plant Loquat Seeds in Florida? Answer!
According to Florida’s frost dates, the right planting time for loquat seeds varies depending on the local frost dates within Florida.
As loquat seeds don’t demand chilling hours and they need warm soil temperature, we have to choose a time when the soil temperature mostly stays between 18 and 24 °C.
And obviously, this period will be available after the last frost date, which differs from area to area. The following table shows when to plant loquat seeds in Florida, based on its average frost date.
| Region | Last Spring Frost Date | Ideal Loquat Seed Planting Time (Outdoor) |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida | Feb 15 – Mar 13 | Early to Late March |
| Central Florida | Feb 11 – Feb 20 | Late Feb to Early March |
| East Coastal Florida | ~Feb 15 | Late Feb to Mid-March |
| South Florida | No Frost | Anytime from February onward |
This will be spring loquat planting that you can simply do outdoors, in a garden with good-draining soil. Spring planting is possible in all parts of Florida.
Can YOU Sow Loquat Seeds Directly Outdoors in The Fall Season of Florida?
Interestingly, fall planting for loquat seeds is possible in all parts of Florida, including the northern, central, eastern, and southern areas. But the sowing time of loquat seeds in the fall depends on the region because of temperature differences.
North & Central Florida (Zones 8b–9a)
Best Fall Planting time for Loquat seeds: Mid-September to Mid-October
Here, in September, extreme summer heat (above 32°C / 90°F) starts easing off, but it’s still warm enough for germination.
By late October, temperatures may dip too much at night in northern areas, slowing germination. Try to use movable pots and containers to manage everything easily if early frost threatens.
East Coastal Florida (Zones 9a–10a)
Best Planting time for Loquat seeds: Late September to Early November
Because coastal areas of Florida cool more slowly, you have a longer window before nights get too cool. Loquat seeds will have enough warmth to sprout before winter, and mild winter temps will allow young plants to grow steadily.
South Florida (Zones 10b–11a)
Best Planting time for Loquat seeds: October to December
South Florida stays warm well into December. Fall planting of loquat seeds here is safe because you’ll still get consistent warm temperatures for germination. You can even plant loquat seeds in winter if the days stay above 18°C, but avoid peak summer heat.
Where is Indoor Sowing Necessary in Florida?
Some parts of north Florida are zone 8b, founded, indoor sowing becomes crucial, especially when early October has also passed, but the temperature is up to 20 Centigrade, you can also try outdoor, but frost may arrive, so be careful.
| Region | USDA Zone | When to Plant (Fall) | When to Transplant (If Indoor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida | 8b–9a | Mid–Sep to Mid–Oct | Late Oct to Early Nov (before frost) |
| Central Florida | 9a–9b | Late Sep to Early Nov | — |
| East Coastal | 9a–10a | Late Sep to Mid–Nov | — |
| South Florida | 10b–11a | Oct to Dec | — |
Best Loquat Varieties for Florida
When it comes to loquat trees, Florida gardeners have a lot of options, but not all varieties are easily found in nurseries.
That’s why it helps to know what’s actually available and worth growing in your climate. The University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) has done amazing work in preserving and sharing loquat varieties.
They provide budwood of 14 named varieties to nurseries, helping home gardeners and growers access quality cultivars with better taste, texture, and disease resistance.
| Region | USDA Zone(s) | Recommended Loquat Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida | 8b–9a | ‘Champagne’, ‘Wolfe’, ‘Big Jim’ — hardy & tolerant of light frost |
| Central Florida | 9a–9b | ‘Big Jim’, ‘Bradenton’, ‘Gold Nugget’ — great balance of flavor & size |
| East Coastal Florida | 9a–10a | ‘Bradenton’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Wolfe’, ‘Vista White’ — good humidity tolerance |
| South Florida | 10b–11a | ‘Bradenton’, ‘Vista White’, ‘Gold Nugget’ — thrives in warmer zones |
How to Plant Loquat Seeds in Florida?
So, if you have chosen a loquat variety and discovered the concept of the right planting time based on Florida’s climate, check out the five steps to sow loquat seeds.
I have made separate content because I considered that the planting method remains the same whether you are growing loquat in north Florida or south Florida. Also, explore the suggestions of the University of Florida about the Loquat Tree.
Seed-grown loquat trees take 10 years or more to bear fruit, but they offer something special: the joy of watching each stage, growing beauty, and raising a loquat tree from scratch.
