Japanese Loquat / Nispero (Eriobotrya japonica) - Seeds

Do you dream of tropical flair, evergreen leaves, and a fruit that tastes like summer – all on a tree that, of all things, blooms in winter? Then get to know the Japanese Loquat!

An absolute highlight for plant lovers, conservatory owners, and anyone looking for a truly exceptional container plant.

Scope of delivery: 3 seeds each

One tree, many names

Because this plant is loved all over the world, it is known by many different names. So, if you're looking for it or hear about it on vacation, you'll often encounter these names:

• German: Japanische Mispel, Wollmispel (Japanese Medlar, Woolly Medlar)

• English: Loquat

• Spanish: Níspero (or Níspola)

• Italian: Nespolo (the fruits are called Nespoli)

• Japanese: Biwa

• Chinese: Pípa

• (Note: It is often simply called "Mispel" (medlar), but botanically it is not to be confused with the native common medlar / Mespilus germanica!)

Origin: A well-traveled exotic

Despite its name, the Japanese Loquat originally comes from the temperate mountain forests of Central China. From there, it made its way to Japan over 1,000 years ago, where it is cultivated and loved under the name "Biwa". Today, it can be found throughout the Mediterranean region, where it grows as a popular shade provider and fruit tree in gardens and courtyards.

Growth: Tropical elegance all year round

The loquat is an architectural masterpiece of nature:

• Growth habit: An evergreen, small tree or large shrub with a sprawling crown.

• Leaves: An absolute eye-catcher! The leaves are huge (up to 25 cm long), leathery, deep dark green, and covered on the underside with a soft, white-brown down ("wool").

• Floral splendor: It blooms when everything else is dormant! Between November and February, the creamy white flower panicles, smelling of almonds and vanilla, appear.

Care: Mediterranean flair for pots and conservatories

Although it looks exotic, it is surprisingly robust:

• Location: Sunny, warm, and sheltered from wind.

• Winter hardiness: Mature plants can tolerate short periods of frost down to approx. -8 °C to -10 °C. However, since it blooms in winter, the blossoms often freeze in our latitudes outdoors, which means there will be no fruit. Ideal is cultivation in a large pot, which is overwintered in a bright and cool (but frost-free!) place. In very mild wine-growing regions, it can also be planted out with winter protection.

• Water & Fertilizer: Water regularly and thoroughly in summer (avoid waterlogging). During the growing season, fertilize every two weeks with a high-quality container plant fertilizer.

Taste: Summer on your tongue

Anyone who has tasted it fresh from the tree on a Mediterranean holiday will never forget that taste:

• Size & Appearance: The fruits are plum-sized, oval to pear-shaped, and glow in a warm yellow-orange.

• Aroma: A juicy, sweet-sour taste explosion! A heavenly mix of peach, apricot, apple, and a hint of citrus.

• Use: Best eaten fresh out of hand (the skin peels off easily). But they are also great for jams, chutneys, or fruity desserts.

Sowing instructions: How to grow your own tree

Growing from seed is fascinating and very promising with the right tricks!

1. Preparing the seeds Loquat seeds are naturally sensitive to excessive dehydration. You will receive them from us in the best quality, so you can start sowing promptly.

• Before sowing, place the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Since the seeds do not have a hard shell, this is not for softening, but gives the seedling an optimal moisture boost to awaken it from its dormant phase.

2. Sowing

• Substrate: Use loose, nutrient-poor seed compost, preferably mixed with some sand or perlite.

• Sowing depth: The loquat is a dark germinator. Plant the seeds about 1 to 2 cm deep in the soil.

• Climate: Keep the soil consistently moist (not wet!). Place the sowing container in a very warm spot (ideally 22 °C to 25 °C). A mini greenhouse or clear plastic film stretched over the pot (ventilate daily!) helps to keep the humidity high.

• Patience: Germination usually occurs after 3 to 6 weeks. Once the first true pair of leaves has formed after the cotyledons, the small trees can be carefully pricked out into individual pots.

Special features, curiosities & interesting facts

Tea from tree leaves: In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, the large, leathery leaves are dried and brewed as "Biwa tea". It is said to have a calming effect on coughs and stomach problems.

• Do not eat seeds: As with many fruit varieties of the rose family (which includes apples and cherries), the large brown seeds of the fruit contain hydrocyanic acid and should not be eaten.

• Drought tolerant: Once the plant is older and well-rooted, it tolerates longer dry periods remarkably well – a real plus for hot summers!