Name: Angelino Loquat Tree | Sweet, Late-Spring Loquat
SKU: Loquat (Angelino)
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Description

Angelino Loquat is a self-fertile loquat valued for sweet, juicy fruit and a later-blooming tendency that can help it perform in marginal loquat climates. It’s grown for fresh eating and kitchen versatility, with timing that can matter as much as flavor when winters get unpredictable.

The fruit is golden-orange with smooth, juicy flesh and a rich, sweet-floral character, ripening in late spring to early summer. Angelino is excellent fresh, and it also shines in preserves or drying when you have more fruit than you can eat at once. Like all loquats, the main challenge in colder regions is not keeping the tree alive—it’s protecting blooms and developing fruit through winter and early spring weather. That’s why Angelino’s bloom timing (and smart management techniques) can make a real difference for growers who want to experiment beyond “ideal” loquat zones.

Overview

Sweet, juicy loquat with golden-orange fruit
Ripens late spring to early summer
Later-blooming tendency for improved odds in marginal climates
Evergreen tree with fragrant blooms
Self-fertile; additional varieties can improve yield

Growing Details

Latin Name: Eriobotrya japonica ’Angelino’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Not applicable in the typical sense; loquat is a subtropical evergreen
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8–11 (flowers/fruit are more cold-sensitive than the tree)
Rootstock: Loquat seedling (grafted)
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically maintained at 8–15 ft tall and wide with pruning
Bloom Time: Fall to winter (timing varies by climate)
Ripening Time: Late spring to early summer (varies by region)
Pollination: Self-fertile; a second loquat variety nearby can improve fruit set
Pests & Diseases: Standard loquat considerations; good airflow and sanitation are important
Yield: Reliable producer in suitable climates; variable in freeze-prone bloom seasons

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Angelino’s later-blooming tendency is one reason growers reach for it in “edge” climates—because with loquats, bloom timing can be the difference between a great crop and a lost season.
Regional Insight: Best reliability comes in mild-winter regions (Zones 9–11). In Zone 8 and other freeze-edge areas (including parts of the Pacific Northwest), fruiting often depends on microclimate—south-facing walls, wind shelter, and protecting blooms from hard freezes.
Cold-climate experiment: A peer-reviewed study found that removing (cutting off) the main flower cluster can induce reflowering, shifting bloom and fruiting later by roughly 2–4 months—an intriguing tool for growers trying to dodge cold events. Read the study.
Loquats are often damaged by freezes at the flower/fruit stage even when the tree itself survives—plan protection accordingly.
Explore more loquats in our collection: Loquat Trees

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Angelino Loquat

Sun: 1/2 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil; avoid prolonged saturation
Water: Moderate; steady moisture during establishment and fruit fill
Size: Easily maintained with pruning
Pollination: Self-fertile; partner variety can improve yield
Harvest: Late spring to early summer
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8–11 (protect blooms/fruit in freezes)

Planting & Care – Angelino Loquat

Site Selection

Choose the warmest, sunniest spot you have—loquats reward heat and protection.
In marginal climates, prioritize a south or west exposure and shelter from wind.
Because loquats often bloom in cool months, avoid frost pockets and low spots.

Soil Preparation

Plant in well-drained soil; loquats dislike prolonged saturation.
If you have heavy clay, plant on a gentle mound and amend for drainage.
Loquats tolerate a range of soils, but consistent drainage is the difference-maker.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and loosen the surrounding soil.
Set the root flare at or just above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch pulled back from the trunk.

Container vs In-Ground Guidance

In-ground: Best for long-term growth and consistent fruiting in mild climates.
Container growing (great for freeze-edge climates): Use a fast-draining mix and a pot with excellent drainage. Move to shelter during hard freezes to protect flowers and developing fruit.

Watering & Fertilizing

Water consistently during the first 1–2 growing seasons, especially through summer heat.
During fruit development, steady moisture helps prevent small or dry fruit.
Once established, loquats handle short dry spells, but regular watering improves yield and fruit size.
Feed lightly in spring and early summer with a balanced fertilizer; avoid pushing late-season growth in colder climates.

Pruning & Training

Prune mainly after harvest to shape the tree and keep it accessible.
Open up the canopy for airflow and light penetration; remove crossing or crowded branches.
If you want a compact loquat, annual heading cuts and thinning cuts work well—loquats respond reliably to pruning.

Flowering, Freeze Protection, and “Rule-Breaking”

Loquats often bloom in fall to winter and can lose flowers/fruit to freezes even when the tree survives.
In marginal climates, protect blooms with frost cloth on cold nights, use a warm wall microclimate, or grow in a container you can move.
For advanced experimentation, research-backed bloom-shifting techniques (like inducing reflowering by removing the main flower cluster) may help some growers dodge cold events in certain years.

Harvest & Use

Harvest when fruit turns fully golden-orange and yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Best fresh, but also excellent for jam, preserves, syrup, and drying.

General Tips

Thin fruit clusters if heavily loaded to improve fruit size and reduce limb stress.
Netting may be useful—birds often notice loquats before you do.
In freeze-edge regions, expect variability year to year; the goal is stacking the odds through microclimate and timing.

Loquat (Angelino)