'Big Jim' Loquat Scion Wood

BIG JIM LOQUAT  

Flavor:  Citrusy Apricot Semblance
Fruit Size:  Very Large
Fruit Type:  Yellow (Wonderful Culinarily), Extremely Juicy, Very Heavy Pulp, Chewy Peel
Growth Habits:  Vigorous & Large, Large Ornamental Leaves, Clusterous Foliage, Flowers & Fruits
Tolerances:  Resistant to Drought, Shade, Heat, Humidity, Wet, Wind, Pests & Diseases, Extreme Cold
Growing Zone:  7A or higher (9 is Perfect)
Positioning:  Full Sun, Part Sun

The Big Jim was named by Jim Neitzel, the founder of the California Rare Fruit Growers Organization. He was responsible for a number of improved fruit tree varieties enjoyed by many today in backyard fruit orchards. This yellow variety has been made popular due to its very high pulp content and is excellent for juicing and for use in the kitchen within recipes. Holds well in the refrigerator or freezer due to having some tartness and solid cold tolerances. Ideal for backyard growers, even in patio climates, as it responds very well to pruning management and shrub training. Left in the ground, it can become a sizeable tree and enjoys a type of ornamental super-growth unseen in most loquats from the foliage tips. Big Jim is becoming more known commercially and is now common in the western United States. Due to the size and texture, it makes a great alternative crossover in tropical climates where apricots cannot get enough chill hours to fruit, or in colder climates where citrus cannot thrive.