The loquat tree loves warm climates with long sunny days. Can you really grow it in Georgia, where USDA zones range from 7b to 9a?
Well, there are indeed some impossibilities in north Georgia, but with the right variety and good planting location, you can definitely be successful in adding to the list of top fruit trees that grow in Georgia.
I hope you will want to know why growing loquat seems a bit challenging in Georgia. The real reason is its early blooming habit, which appears to us in winter.
And many resources say that the loquat flowers start falling off if the temperature range reaches below 27°F (-2 °C). Now in Georgia, especially northern parts with USDA zones 7b and 8a, the loquat tree faces challenges.
Can YOU Grow a Loquat Tree in Georgia? The real Answer
Beyond a little challenging situation in Georgia (especially the north), it is still possible to grow a loquat tree in Georgia with the right hardy variety, a south-facing location, and winter protection.
The University of Georgia (Extension) offers some tips for growing a loquat tree in Georgia.
First, they said to choose a hardy variety, where they have recommended Wolfe, Fletcher Red, and Bartow, along with Champagne, Hardee, Thales, and Advance. According to UOG, loquat varieties perform best in southeast Georgia.
The second most important thing is to choose the right planting location for the loquat tree, where it can get full sunlight for at least half the day. They recommend the sunny southern side of a warm building or beneath the protective shade of tall pine trees.
The third, but with a lot of other considerations, is other growing conditions, including;
- The moist soil means not too wet or too dry; however, the plant is drought tolerant, but experts have analyzed its ability and have found it to be limited. Check how to keep the soil moist for the loquat tree…
- For growing loquat in Georgia, fertilizing should be applied two or a maximum of three times during the summer season by using a balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning and protecting the loquat tree from diseases, such as fireblight, also increases the chances of growing loquat in Georgia with good fruit production.
What can you do More for successfully growing a Loquat Tree in Georgia?
Now, please pay attention, loquat growers! From the above growth conditions, planting time also plays a key role. This planting time for the loquat tree is based on propagation methods and regional climate.
Grafting, budding, and planting from its seeds are popular propagation methods for the loquat tree.
Grafting, budding
To grow a new loquat tree, it is propagated by grafting or budding better-quality varieties onto young seedling rootstocks from late spring to early summer. (University of Georgia)
Planting Loquat from Seeds
Now, here comes the rewarding journey of growing a loquat tree from its seeds. However, through seed-grown trees, fruit production can be achieved later by 10 years or more, but their appearance is characterized by leathery, dark green leaves, which also makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes.
Whenever planting a loquat tree from seeds, the first thing that comes to mind is planting time. Loquat seeds sprout just fine without any cold stratification step. So, here, the planting time and method are simple for loquat seeds.
When and How to Plant Loqaut Seeds in Georgia?
For planting loquat seeds in Georgia, mostly go for spring planting and avoid fall planting, especially in northern Georgia. However, direct fall planting time may be possible only in southern Georgia (USDA zone 9).
For north Georgia, you should go for indoor sowing or wait until the last frost date for directly sowing loqaut seeds outdoors. Here is the clarity of planting time for loquat seeds in Georgia;
- *Option 1: Choose spring planting (no matter where you live locally)
- *Option 2: Fall planting: outdoor is possible in southern Georgia, while indoor is recommended for northern Georgia.
- But for indoor planting, you can delay until the first frost date, then you should transplant loquat seedlings after the last frost date.
You may have noticed that sowing time for loquat seeds is based on frost dates, which vary from year to year in Georgia. According to Georgia’s frost dates, here is the planting time that you can apply.
| Region | Spring Planting Time | Fall Planting | Indoor Sowing Time | When to Transplant if Indoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Georgia (Top East) | Early–Mid May | Not suitable | Mid–Late August | Mid–October |
| West to Central Georgia | Early–Mid April | Not suitable | Mid–Late August | Mid–Late October |
| South Georgia (All) | Mid–Late March | Early–Mid September | N/A | N/A |
For planting loquat seeds, check out the five steps that are the same whether you are in north or south Georgia.
