What are the planting conditions of loquat?

Loquat originated in southeastern China, because its leaves are shaped like pipa instruments, loquat planting requires a higher temperature, the annual average temperature above 12 ℃ can grow normally, but the annual average temperature for economic cultivation should be 15-17 ℃, and there is no cold weather, let's take a detailed look at the planting conditions of loquat!

Temperature

Loquat is native to the northern subtropics and is fond of warm and humid climate. The annual average temperature can grow normally when the annual average temperature is more than 12 ℃, but the annual average temperature for economic cultivation should be 15-17 ℃, and there is no severe cold weather. Loquat flowering in late winter and early spring, low temperature in winter and spring will affect its flowering and fruiting. The temperature of-6 ℃ caused freezing damage to flowering and-3 ℃ to young fruits, and pollen germination above 10 ℃ was the most suitable for pollen germination at about 20 ℃. During flowering, as long as the temperature needed for pollen germination is reached for a short period of time at noon, the pollen tube can be elongated and fertilized, so the temperature needed for flowering in South China loquat producing areas can often be satisfied and fruiting well. Too high temperature is not suitable for loquat growth, the edge of tender leaves above 35 ℃ is dry, the growth of branches, leaves and roots is slow, and the growth of seedlings is poor; sunburn disease is easy to occur in the middle and later stage of fruit development. In addition, too high temperature makes it difficult for sugar to accumulate, and the sugar content of fruit is lower.

Light

Loquat originated in the shady forest environment of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest, so the seedlings still retain the habit of scattered light, so a shed should be set up for shade when raising seedlings. However, adult trees require enough light to facilitate flower bud differentiation, fruit development, coloring and early ripening. Its strong stratification also means that there should be sufficient light. But the trunk exposed to the scorching sun is easy to burn and wither the branches and leaves.

Moisture content

Loquat likes the environment of moist air and abundant water, which requires annual rainfall of more than 1000 mm, and the distribution is more uniform. Sufficient water is required during fruit development and shoot growth in early spring, and spring drought is disadvantageous to growth and fruit. However, when the fruit is rainy in the ripening period, it is easy to crack, poor coloring, light taste and late ripening. In late summer and early autumn, less rainfall and dry climate are required, which slows down growth and is conducive to flower bud differentiation.

Wind power

Loquat has tall crown, dense branches and leaves, poor air permeability, shallow and narrow root distribution and weak wind resistance. Coastal areas are often hit by strong winds and typhoons, so choosing a place to build a garden needs to be taken precautions.

Topography

The south and southeast direction of the mountain is gentle and downhill, the soil layer is deep, the water is sufficient, and the cold air is not easy to accumulate, so it is the most suitable for loquat planting, so the plant has developed root system, long life, light freezing damage, high yield and good quality. Xipo is prone to drought and sunburn. The north slope of the area without cold damage is also suitable. Low hilly and mountainous areas can also be cultivated, but the red soil and lateritic red soil in coastal hilly areas are shallow, which are prone to drought in autumn and winter, resulting in fallen leaves and tree potential decline, so it is appropriate to choose the deeper soil layer to build the garden.

Loquat most avoid stagnant water, flat land cultivation to prevent stagnant water rotten roots, it is appropriate to choose the lower groundwater level, before planting piers or dig deep ditches, do a good job of drainage.

Soil

Loquat soil selection is not strict, the general soil can grow normally, but the soil layer is deep, loose, humus-rich sand, gravelly loam or clay is the best. Loquat can adapt to a wide range of soil acidity and alkalinity, and can grow from red soil pH 5.0 to calcareous soil pH 7.5-8.5, but the suitable pH value is about 6.0.