How to Grow Loquat in New Zealand
A tough evergreen that fruits in late winter to early spring when little else is ripe. Suits warm and mild districts and is self-fertile, so one tree is enough. Plant in spring and it doubles as a useful shade tree.
When to plant loquat in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | November |
| Otago & Southland | November |
Best loquat varieties for NZ
- Grafted named variety — Named grafted loquats give larger sweeter fruit than seedlings. (specialist nurseries, garden centres)
- Seedling — Common and productive, often passed between gardeners, variable fruit quality. (garden centres, home-grown seed)
How to grow loquat
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 20cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1095 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow loquat near: Fruit trees.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Birds, Guava moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Loquat plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant loquat in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy loquat seeds or plants in NZ?
Try specialist nurseries, garden centres, home-grown seed.