'Bradenton' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

'Bradenton' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

Flavor:  Yellow Nectarine Taste
Fruit Size:  Medium-Large
Fruit Type:  Orange, Soft & Juicy Texture
Growth Habits:  Semi-Dwarfing, High Balanced Ornamental Canopy, Very Fast Growing
Season:  Early-Mid
Tolerances:  Resistant to Drought, Shade, Heat, Humidity, Wet, Wind, Pests & Diseases
Growing Zone:  8B or higher (10 is Perfect)
Positioning:  Full Sun, Part Sun

The Bradenton is essentially a large loquat that reminds you instantly of a small nectarine from the market. The tree grows remarkably fast to its mature size for a semi-dwarf, and the fruit hangs a long time before ripening. Once ripened, it perishes quickly and must be preserved or eaten within a few days. Bradenton is one of the least cold tolerant of all loquats and excels wonderfully in more tropical climates where it can achieve more than one crop per season. In tropical regions, some growers refer to this as the everbearing or tropical loquat. Not recommended for growers in chillier climates—even when container grown.

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 loquats are pollinated with only 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.