The medlar is a fruit tree that is very often planted in Mediterranean orchards and, in general, in those where the climate is temperate. It grows rapidly, and produces a lot of delicious fruits In whose interior there is a single seed that you can sow directly in a pot after having cleaned it well with water.
But there are surely more things you didn't know about the loquat. Maybe these 5 will surprise you. Let's check it out .
1.- The medlar does not require cold-hours to produce its fruits
Unlike other fruit trees, our protagonist you do not need to spend a certain amount of cold hours to produce. For this reason, it can be grown in mild climates without any problems; although, of course, winters must be somewhat cool, with temperatures below zero. This way, loquats can grow well in a variety of climatic conditions, making them a popular choice for many gardeners. If you'd like to learn more about the characteristics of the loquat, you can visit this article on its cultivation and characteristics.
2.- The type of soil influences the fruits
So much so that if you have it in clay soil, you will have medlar of a larger caliber, but they will take time to mature; on the contrary, if you have it on sandy soil, they will mature much earlier but will be smaller in caliberWhat type of fruit do you prefer? Whichever you choose, you can always amend your soil a bit, adding river sand or compost as needed. Considering the soil type is essential for successful cultivation, so it's also a good idea to read about it. how to plant loquat trees correctly.
3.- There is not only a variety of medlar
When we go to the supermarket or a greengrocer, they usually all seem the same, but ... the reality is that there are many varieties, including Indostac, Premier, Thales, Algerie and TanakaThese last two are the most widely sold in Spain. They differ mainly in size and flavor: for example, Algerie produces small fruits with a slightly less pleasant flavor, while Tanaka produces large fruits with a very good flavor. If you'd like to learn more about the different varieties, you can consult information on the European medlar.
4.- It is grafted on two main rootstocks
Actually, it grafts on 5 rootstocks, but it only works well in two: the quince and the seed franc. The first type sometimes causes problems: it can become too small and develop iron chlorosis; however, the second type results in a very healthy loquat with a long productive life. This makes grafting an important technique to consider for those new to the world of gardening. If you're considering grafting a loquat, it's a good idea to check when to prune a loquat tree.
5.- Needs a lot of compost to grow
During spring and summer, it is very important to pay with fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassiumYou can also use chemical fertilizer one month and organic fertilizer the following month to ensure the plant doesn't lack anything. Using the right type of fertilizer is crucial. For more details on care and the necessary nutrients, you can read about plant a loquat in a pot.
Did you know these 5 things about loquats?