Can loquat be grown in Shandong? Analysis of growing conditions

The loquat tree is native to China and is widely cultivated in various regions. It likes sunlight, is drought-tolerant, and has low requirements for soil. It is often used for ornamental gardening; its fruit, the loquat, has the effect of treating dry cough due to lung dryness. Today we will explain whether loquat can be grown in Shandong.

In northern regions such as Shandong, severe cold weather occurs in winter, so it is not suitable to grow loquat trees. Loquat is native to the subtropics and requires relatively high temperatures. It can grow normally when the annual average temperature is above 12°C, but for economic cultivation the annual average temperature should be 15-17°C, with no severe cold weather. The loquat flowering period is in late winter and early spring, and low temperatures in winter and spring will affect its flowering and fruiting. When the temperature is -6°C, damage occurs to flowering, and at -3°C, damage occurs to young fruit; pollen begins to germinate above 10°C, and pollen germination is most suitable at around 20°C. However, when the air temperature or soil temperature reaches above 30°C, the growth of branches, leaves and roots becomes sluggish and poor, and if the fruit encounters high temperatures of 35°C within 7-15 days before harvest, it is very prone to sunburn damage, or even loses its edible value. Loquat has low requirements for soil and relatively wide adaptability; it can generally grow and bear fruit in ordinary soil, but grows better in loose soil containing more sand or gravel.