Loquat Yehuda 7G - Urban Abundance

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

The Yehuda Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica 'Yehuda') is an outstanding Israeli variety prized for its early ripening, large golden fruit, and sweet-tart tropical flavor. Juicy and slightly tangy with a hint of apricot and citrus, these loquats are as delicious fresh off the tree as they are in jams, pies, or preserves. Unlike many fruit trees, loquats ripen in late winter to early spring—making them a rare treat when most gardens are just waking up.

In a 7-gallon pot, this tree is well-rooted and ready to establish quickly in your South Florida landscape.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—6 to 8 hours daily. Can tolerate light shade but fruits best with ample sunlight.

Watering: Moderate. Water deeply when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Tolerant of short dry spells once established.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or slightly acidic soil. Enrich with compost. Avoid planting in heavy clay or poorly drained areas.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced fruit tree fertilizer 2–3 times per year. Supplement with trace minerals to support flower and fruit development.

Growth Habit: Medium-sized, upright tree with rounded canopy. Typically reaches 15–25 feet tall. Can be kept smaller with annual pruning. 7-gallon trees are generally 3–5 feet tall.

Temperature: USDA Zones 8b–11. Cold-hardy down to the mid-20s°F. Performs beautifully across South Florida, even in occasional winter chills.

Maintenance: Low. Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and airflow. Watch for aphids or fire blight in spring—manage early with organic controls.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall, but can be planted year-round in South Florida with consistent water.

Harvest Time: February through April. One of the earliest fruiting trees for subtropical gardens.

How to Harvest: Pick when fruit is fully colored and slightly soft. Handle gently—bruises easily. Best enjoyed fresh or preserved quickly.

Seasonal Notes: Yehuda is an early-ripening variety, often fruiting a full month before standard loquats—ideal for staggered harvests.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Loquats are a source of Vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and plant antioxidants. In traditional medicine, loquat leaves are used in teas to support respiratory health and digestion. The fruit is hydrating, gently cleansing, and loved for its low glycemic sweetness.

Ideal For:

• Early-season fruit production in South Florida

• Edible landscapes and mixed food forests

• Preserving, canning, and fresh snacking

• Pairing with later-fruiting trees for staggered yields

• Gardeners seeking low-maintenance, cold-tolerant fruit trees

Plant Classification:

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

Container Size: 7-gallon pot