Loquat Christmas 7G - Urban Abundance

Christmas Loquat Tree in 7-Gallon Pot Available in Jupiter, FL

The Christmas Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica 'Christmas') is a time-honored favorite in South Florida, known for ripening earlier than most loquat varieties—often around the holiday season, hence its name. It produces medium to large, pear-shaped fruit with yellow skin and smooth, juicy flesh that’s mildly sweet with hints of apricot and citrus.

This low-maintenance, cold-tolerant fruit tree is as ornamental as it is edible, offering lush evergreen foliage, fragrant winter blooms, and one of the earliest harvests of the year. In a 7-gallon pot, this tree is strong, healthy, and ready to bring winter cheer to your landscape.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. More sun = more blooms and sweeter fruit.

Watering: Moderate. Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil dries out. Tolerates short dry spells once established.

Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer 2–3 times per year. Micronutrients like magnesium and zinc help boost fruit size and tree health.

Growth Habit: Dense, rounded canopy. Grows 15–25 feet tall but is easily maintained at 10–15 feet. 7-gallon trees are typically 3–5 feet tall and fast-growing.

Temperature: USDA Zones 8b–11. Excellent cold tolerance. One of the best fruit trees for mild Florida winters.

Maintenance: Low. Prune after harvest to manage shape and encourage airflow. Monitor for aphids and leaf spot—generally disease-resistant.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall in South Florida but adaptable to year-round installation with proper care.

Harvest Time: December through February. Ripens earlier than most loquats.

How to Harvest: Harvest when fruit is fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Eat fresh or preserve within a few days.

Seasonal Notes: A great choice to start your fruit season early—pairs beautifully with mid- and late-season loquat varieties like Yehuda or Macbeth.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Loquats are high in Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. The fruit supports hydration, digestion, and skin health. Loquat leaf teas have traditionally been used for respiratory and digestive support.

Ideal For:

• Early winter harvests in South Florida

• Holiday-season homegrown fruit

• Low-maintenance edible landscaping

• Pairing with later varieties for extended yields

• Families and beginner gardeners

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Eriobotrya japonica 'Christmas'
Common Name: Christmas Loquat
Plant Type: Subtropical fruit tree
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf evergreen with net-veined leaves
Growth Form: Rounded evergreen fruiting tree
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen—holds foliage year-round in South Florida
Perennial or Annual: Perennial—produces annually with proper care

Container Size: 7-gallon pot