'Benlehr' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

'Benlehr' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

Flavor:  Refreshing, Juicy Green Grape/Apple Taste
Fruit Size:  Medium
Fruit Type:  White (Superb Shelf Life), Dense Texture & Peels Easily
Growth Habits:  Dwarfing & Ornamentally Balanced Canopy, Spreading Canopy
Season:  Early-Mid
Tolerances:  Resistant to Drought, Heavy Shade, Heat, Humidity, Wet, Wind, Pests & Diseases, Cold
Growing Zone:  8A or higher (9 is Perfect)
Positioning:  Full Sun, Part Sun

The Benlehr was discovered by Charles E. Benlehr of Encinitas, California, and has proven successful in backyard fruit orchards from the west to the east coast. The strength of Benlehr is its ability to grow beneath other trees with indirect and part sunlight—very shade tolerant. As a natural dwarf, it makes for an excellent selection for container growing for enthusiasts with limited space for fruit trees. Several growers utilize it as an edible hedge, as it responds wonderfully to pruning and shaping—including espalier training. The flavor consists of a mix of green seedless table grapes and soft green apples, and the flesh is almost a clear to translucent white cream color and appetizing. If full clusters of fruit are removed intact, as you would grapes or cherry tomatoes, they will have an extremely long shelf life right on the counter and can be eaten when desired.

Be advised that the actual fruit of a seedling will not be the same as its parentage, but many physical properties of the tree’s genetic markers may carry over, such as size, growing patterns, prolificity, resistances and tolerances. Also, actual fruit does tend to be similar in many regards and may even have an improved flavor if you are fortunate.  Our loquat trees are pollinated with only other improved cultivars and the seeds will carry over much of the desirable characteristics and qualities.

Our loquat seeds have been freshly harvested for the season and have a shelf life of approximately 6 months and should be planted as soon as possible once received.  Loquat seeds must be germinated in moist-dry conditions (not wet), and prefer coarse sandy, loamy soils with a good mix of fine pine bark particulates and humus--extremely well-draining.  Loquats are not heavy feeders, and the use of fast-release fertilizers should be avoided.  Only fertilize with slow-release, light feeds with micros such as polymer-coated controlled-release for supplying mineral nutrients.