'Zesty' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

'Zesty' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Seeds

Flavor:  Pleasant Piquant and Spicy Taste (Ultimate “Pie” Loquat)
Fruit Size:  Medium-Large
Fruit Type:  Yellow-Orange (Highest Quality Shelf Life), Crisp & Refreshing
Growth Habits:  Vigorous, Perfectly Balanced Canopy Shape, Highly Prolific
Season:  Mid to Late (Prolonged)
Tolerances:  Resistant to Drought, Heat, Humidity, Wet, Wind, Pests & Diseases, Very Cold
Growing Zone:  7B or higher (9 is Perfect)
Positioning:  Full Sun, Part Sun

“Zesty” is very unique, extremely rare, and is customarily our favorite tart flavored loquat—comparatively, a ‘Montmorency Cherry Pie’ style of loquat with a more appetizing yellow-orange coloration. We have searched diligently to find a loquat which consistently makes great jam, pie/cobbler filling, freezes well, holds consistent flavor, and has a high duration shelf life—Zesty is the one. Even frozen for a couple of months, the fruit maintained its crisp shape, bright color, and sharp flavor, while all other loquat fruit varieties we grow turned brown and lost viability after only a couple of weeks in the freezer. The tree itself takes on a favorable ornamental appearance and a moderate size. Due to its very late and fruit holding nature, it is an ideal candidate for those seeking to fruit loquats in colder regions outside of normal growing zones or in container conditions. The seeds of this tree have remarkable germination rates with very vigorous roots. With its potential as a commercial loquat, we did not want to make this one available, but it is too good not to. Zesty was named in honor of Adam’s great-grandmother who specialized in her own home-grown and fully stuffed Montmorency Cherry Pies—which she called “Zesty Pies” to encourage the picky kids to eat them. Took us years to secure this special specimen in our private collection, and after much thought and deliberation, here it is—the Zesty ‘Pie’ Loquat.

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.