The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that is native to China and widely cultivated in Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia. It produces small, round or pear-shaped fruits that are yellow-orange in color and about the size of a large cherry or small plum. The fruit has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and is juicy and fragrant.

Loquats are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. The trees are easy to grow and can tolerate a range of soil types and climates, although they prefer warm, humid environments.

I found this out for myself. Here is some background: In December 2022, I developed an such an intense and unexplained passion for growing fruits from seeds, it was almost divine. The fruit gardening bug bit me... hard. Only problem was, I had neither a garden nor space, but I had a balcony. That was enough. I had two tiny seeds that I got from a large tree close to a place I work. I set out to figure out how to propagate these seeds. Whether you have have adequate space or are just like me, I'll share my winning formula.

Step 1:

Get a moist piece of paper towel or cotton wool, place the seeds inside and wrap it. I had two pieces of paper towel for the two seeds. I felt that cotton wool would've made the seeds decay especially since it [the cotton wool] would require and absorb more water than the paper towel

Step 2:

Place your seeds in a warm, dry place for about two weeks.

Step 3:

If the propagation has happened, at the end of the two weeks, transfer your shoots to a container that holds soil. The soil should be well-composted, for nutrients, large enough to sustain growth for at least a year and perforated at the bottom to drain excess water. Place the shoot about 2 centimetres from the surface of the container in about three to four months you will have a healthy looking seedling such as the one that is set as the cover image for this blog.

As for me, I am hoping to soon transfer it to a piece of land that I'll own in the near future.

PS: Be sure to place each seed in a separate container.

Happy planting and God bless!