Temperature:  50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit

The Loquat tree is a fruit producing tree that is not very popular.  I’m not sure why that is because the fruit is delicious and the tree is beautiful. This loquat can reach twenty to thirty feet high.  Loquats are not your normal fruit tree; they flower in the autumn or early winter and your fruit will be ripe in late winter or early spring.  This will give you something to look forward to when winter has begun and all the other trees are not baring any fruit. 

The fruits are yellow to orange in color and sometimes can have red blushed skin.  They are not the sweetest of all fruits, but like a lot of fruits they make a great jam.  Loquats can also be used to make a light wine…I personally have never tasted a wine made out of Loquat but I am always up to trying new things especially when it comes to alcohol. Loquats are sweetest when they are soft and yellow.  The skin of the loquat is very easy to remove, they do make a great addition to fruit salads, combine them with slices of banana, oranges and a little grated coconut on top….it is delicious.  The syrup from the Loquat is used in Chinese medicine for soothing the throat, like a cough drop. 

When planting your Loquat find a sunny area and also somewhere your tree will have plenty of room to grow.  Plant in well drained soil and water thoroughly and do not let the soil dry out.  You can fertilize your free plant, ask you local gardening center which will work best in your area.  Before your Loquat produces fruit you will be able to enjoy the sweet fragrant flowers that bloom.  The boldly texture of foliage will also add a tropical look to your yard.

Enjoy your Free Plant!