Loquat Tree Cultivation and Management: Planting Methods and When to Transplant
1. Preparation of Planting Holes for Loquat Trees
The planting holes for loquat trees are generally prepared 2 months in advance before planting. According to the planting density, dig planting holes measuring 1 m x 1 m x 1 m. Apply 50 kg of farmyard manure per hole (well-rotted mixed soil manure, stable manure, or crop straw can be used), along with a certain proportion of phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and other micronutrient fertilizers. If the soil is excessively clayey, some sand can be mixed in, or sand can be placed at the bottom of the planting hole to increase soil permeability. In areas with strongly acidic soil, an appropriate amount of lime can be added to improve the soil. Backfill with topsoil and wait for planting.
2. Planting Time for Loquat Trees
The best planting time for loquat seedlings is spring and autumn. Autumn planting is the optimal period, because the climate is relatively warm, the survival rate of seedlings is significantly higher than when planted at other times, and new roots can develop by the following spring after planting. Autumn planting takes place after the hot weather ends and before the temperature turns cold. In most regions this is from September to October, and in warm areas from October to November. In areas with colder winters or excessive drought, planting can be done before spring shoots begin to sprout; planting too late will affect the emergence of spring shoots. In most areas of East China, Central China, and Southwest China, planting is done from February to March. In South China, where temperatures are higher, planting can be done earlier, from December to February of the following year.
3. Planting Density of Loquat Trees
The planting density of loquat trees should be reasonably chosen based on the local cultivation level, soil fertility, rainfall distribution, variety, and other factors. For example, shallow, thin soil should be planted more densely than fertile, deep soil; mountainous land more densely than flat land; upright-canopied varieties more densely than spreading ones; and weak-growing trees more densely than vigorous ones. Land Resource Network recommends a spacing of 2 m x 3 m or 3 m x 4 m for loquat trees, with 111 or 56 trees planted per mu respectively.
4. Pollinator Tree Configuration for Loquat Trees
Most loquat varieties can self-pollinate, but to increase fruit set and improve quality, it is still advisable to plant several varieties together. Some varieties, such as Huabao No. 2 and Dahongpao, have low fruit set rates from self-pollination, so pollinator trees should be reasonably configured. Pollinator varieties should have the following characteristics: they bloom at the same time as the main variety, produce large amounts of pollen with high germination rates, enter the fruiting period at the same time as the main variety, bloom every year, have a comparable economic lifespan, have strong pollination compatibility, can cross-pollinate with each other, produce fruit of high economic value, and have a fruit ripening period similar to that of the main variety. For loquat pollinator trees, plant one row of pollinator varieties alongside each row of the main variety.
5. Planting Methods for Loquat Trees
When planting loquat seedlings, place the seedling in the center of the planting hole with the roots spread out in the soil of the hole. Hold the seedling upright with your hand while filling in fine soil and tamping it down with your foot. During the final filling, gently lift the seedling upward so that the roots come into close contact with the soil and spread out, then tamp down again with your foot after filling. Loquat seedlings should not be planted too deep, as this is unfavorable for root respiration. When planting grafted seedlings, the root collar should be level with the ground surface. Water thoroughly after planting so that the roots come into close contact with the soil. After the planting water drains away, cover again with fine soil to level the watering basin. Finally, cover the tree basin with black plastic film to retain moisture and warmth and improve the survival rate.
6. Management After Planting Loquat Trees
After planting, loquat seedlings should be watered thoroughly once. Seedlings with too many leaves should have some leaves appropriately pruned off, or half of each leaf cut off, to prevent excessive water evaporation and improve the survival rate. Starting from the second day after planting, check the leaves every morning for several consecutive days. For any leaves that droop and cannot recover, part of the leaves must be pruned off immediately to prevent excessive water loss from affecting survival. The amount of pruning depends on the degree of drooping: severely drooping leaves should have 2/3 pruned off, and mildly drooping ones 1/2. At the same time, check the roots. If the roots are not in contact with the soil, fill in firmly; if fine roots are close to the base fertilizer and have caused fertilizer damage, dig out the fertilizer. After planting loquat seedlings and until before sprouting, do not rush to apply fertilizer, to prevent root damage. At this stage, the main focus is water management; do not let the soil become too wet or too dry. In the first year after planting, apply human urine and manure at a concentration of 10%-30% 3-4 times. In the second year, apply 15 kg of farmyard manure or well-rotted pond mud and 0.8 kg of compound fertilizer per tree, and pay attention to pest and disease control.