How to Grow Japanese Medlar
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Japanese Medlar
Eriobotrya japonica
treeJapanese medlar, also called loquat, is a small evergreen tree native to China and Japan that produces golden-yellow, tangy-sweet fruits. The tree grows 15-30 feet tall and features large, glossy, deep green leaves with a velvety texture. It bears fragrant white flowers in clusters and is valued for both its ornamental qualities and delicious fruit.
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Example Japanese Medlar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Japanese Medlar
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Japanese Medlar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8-11, though can survive in sheltered locations in zone 7b
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Get my Japanese Medlar timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung sapling with developing root system and initial branching
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Protect from harsh winds and frost. Apply mulch layer 2-3 inches around base. Stake if needed for support.
Vegetative Growth
1-3 yearsRapid height and canopy development with large glossy leaves; no flowering yet
Prune to establish strong structure and desired form. Remove crossing or weak branches. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Maintain consistent watering.
Pre-Flowering
1 yearTree reaches mature size; leaf growth slows and plant prepares for reproductive phase
Continue shaping pruning. Reduce nitrogen in fertilizer to promote flowering. Ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (typically October-December)Fragrant clusters of small white flowers appear in late fall or early winter on branch tips
Do not prune during flowering. Provide consistent water but not excessive. Frost protection is critical; flowers are frost-sensitive. Monitor for pests attracted to blooms.
Fruiting & Maturation
4-6 months (fruit ripens March-June depending on region)Green fruits develop from flowers and gradually turn golden-yellow; flesh ripens to sweet, juicy texture
Thin fruit clusters for larger individual fruits; leave 4-6 inches between fruits. Water consistently during fruit development. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer. Prune any dead wood.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil in dormancy. Remove heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Spray with insecticidal soap. Use neem oil in early morning or evening.
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Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation through pruning. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
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Prune infected branches 12 inches below symptoms. Sterilize pruning tools between cuts. Remove blighted twigs.
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Harvest ripe fruit promptly. Remove fallen fruit. Use fruit fly traps if infestation occurs.
Uses
Fresh fruit and preserves
CulinaryJapanese medlar fruit is delicious eaten fresh with a sweet-tart tropical flavor reminiscent of apricot and mango. The fruit is excellent for making jams, jellies, compotes, and desserts. [source]
Traditional medicine and throat health
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory support. The leaves contain compounds beneficial for throat and cough relief, often prepared as tea. [source]
Ornamental and landscape feature
HouseholdThe evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and visual interest. Fragrant winter flowers and attractive golden fruits make it a prized ornamental specimen tree. [source]
Natural dye source
CraftLeaves can be used to create natural dyes and pigments for textile and art applications. [source]
Bird and pollinator support
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Ripe fruit is beloved by birds and wildlife, making it excellent for attracting fauna to gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruits turn golden-yellow and feel slightly soft to pressure, typically March to June depending on climate. Pick by gently twisting or cutting with pruning shears. Fruit ripens unevenly on tree, so selective harvesting over weeks is common. Ripe fruit stores 1-2 weeks in refrigerator. Can be eaten fresh, made into jam, or preserved.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Japanese medlar is one of the few fruit trees that flowers and fruits during winter months in warm climates, providing unique seasonal interest when most other trees are dormant.
- 🌱 The wood of loquat trees is quite hard and dense, and in some countries it has been traditionally used for making tool handles and small decorative items.
- 🌱 A single loquat fruit contains large seeds relative to flesh—often one large seed takes up significant space—which is why selective breeding has focused on large-fruited varieties with smaller seeds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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