Question
Hi- thanks for volunteering. My question is about Loquat or Japanese Plum tree seedlings. I'm an ebay seller and it seems God just sends me miracle after miracle to help suppliment my income!! I'm a single mom working and going to school with a 13 yr old boy with serious health issues. So I'm thankful to have yet another opportunity to help us. I sell garden bulbs at Spring and will be trying my hand in the Fall for bulbs also.

I also have what I used to consider a very annoying Loquat tree. It bears 1000s of Loquats, then what my neighbors and birds don't eat rots and falls to the ground. Every one of those rotted fruits' seeds try to become a tree. I have been poisoning them for years like weeds so I could mulch and plant stuff.

Well, now I see people selling seedlings on ebay!! I have sold probably 10 of them around Florida and people are very happy with there little 6?seedlings. I send them a clump and they travel well too. But I have little knowledge on how to maximize this. I have to research what states I can sell to to stay out of trouble. But after that, I still have questions:

-When is the best time to start selling these seedlings- Spring? Now?

-The tree is hardy to 10 degrees, what about the seedling? If someone up North wants a seedling in the Spring, how warm does it have to be there first? I would suggest they pot it until Spring in their state, but what is the temperature they can go outside in?

-I think people won't see fruit the first year, if they use them as container trees, when can they expect to see fruit?

Thanks again for taking to time to volunteer- I appreciate any info you can offer!
Lisa


Answer
Unfortunately Lisa, I do not have personal experience with Loquat trees, so I did my research. Eriobotrya Japonica Is the common species. It is hardy to 20F but has survived to 12F. The fruit is often injured at low temperatures. It can be pruned to keep it shrub size. This is good for northern climates, where it will need to grow in a container and be moved into a cool greenhouse in the winter. It can be held in a container for several years. If grown under glass. Grow in soil-based potting mix in full light, with good ventilation. In growth, water modrately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growth. Water sparingly in winter. Prune often before flowering and after fruit.
Most trees sold as seedlings, are good ornamental plants with unpredictable fruit quality. If you definitely want fruit, look for a grafted variety.
Propagation, sow seeds at 55-61F in spring. Insert semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. It will sometimes take 3 to 4 years to bear fruit.
As for the business end, do your research. Each state has it's own laws about shipping plants. Some have quarintines, some have inspections, and so on. Find out what states don't require extra paper work.
Next, when reporting your sales, find out how much money you are allowed to make, before you are required to have a business license, and a nursery license. Be careful. If you don't do you research, it can be expensive.

bakerplanter