Can a loquat tree bear fruit without grafting? One article explains it clearly

In many rural households, some loquat trees are planted, both for viewing and for eating fresh, delicious loquats. Grafted loquat trees bear fruit faster, and the fruit they produce is of better quality. So can a loquat tree bear fruit without grafting?

1. Can a loquat tree bear fruit without grafting?

A loquat tree can bear fruit without grafting, but the fruiting cycle is relatively long, generally taking three to five years to bear fruit. Grafted loquat trees have a relatively short growing cycle, but bear fruit early. The survival rate is relatively high. If a loquat tree grown from seed does not bear fruit, it may be a problem of variety and soil. Seedlings show atavism, and outside their place of origin it is very difficult for them to flower and bear fruit normally, so they need to be improved by grafting a high-quality variety; and a lack of certain trace elements in the soil is also one of the causes of long-term failure to bloom. More foliar topdressing should be carried out, and pests and diseases should be prevented and controlled.

2. Propagating loquat trees by sowing

Sowing is the simplest method, and its germination rate is also relatively high. Generally, after the loquats ripen, the fruit is collected and can then be sown. That is to say, in April and May each year, ripe loquat seeds can be collected for sowing. The method is also simple: sow the loquat seeds directly in the soil, and remember to sow them shallowly, then water them thoroughly once, and cover them with straw. This is because the suitable temperature for loquat seed germination is 20°C-25°C, and the temperature during this period is very suitable. After a few days, the loquat seeds will germinate, and at this point the straw should be removed, and then normal care can be given. However, note that loquat trees propagated by sowing have a very long growth period, generally taking about 5 years from sowing to fruiting, so most people choose grafting for propagation.

3. Propagating loquat trees by grafting

Loquat propagation by grafting is relatively more technically difficult, and requires some grafting experience. However, loquat trees propagated this way bear fruit early, have a high survival rate, and can also well preserve the excellent characteristics of the mother plant. Loquat grafting is generally mainly by cut grafting, and can be carried out in mid-March or from April to May. Choose vigorous 1-2 year old loquat branches that have already borne fruit as scions, then remove the lower leaves, keeping only the terminal bud and two side leaves. For the rootstock, loquat seedlings and photinia can be used. Cut the rootstock horizontally 5-8 cm above the ground, quickly insert the scion into the rootstock, and then bind it tightly with plastic strips. Of course, if you do not know how to do it yourself, you can actually go to a flower market and buy loquat saplings that have already been grafted, then take them home and plant them directly, which is very convenient!

If conditions permit, loquat trees are best grafted, as this makes the growth cycle relatively fast and the fruit produced relatively high in quality. But grafting also involves a certain degree of technical difficulty, and if you do not have the skill, you can also sow seeds.