Loquat is a small evergreen tree, which grows in the field and can reach several meters high. If it is managed as a potted fruit tree, it must be pruned regularly. Otherwise, loquat trees will grow too high, with lush branches and leaves, and the nutrients absorbed by the roots will be difficult to support loquat flowering and fruiting.

In addition to pruning, the remaining growth management of potted loquat is mainly in two aspects: water and fertilizer. How to operate specifically? Let me introduce you.

The pruning of potted loquat trees basically needs to control the overall height and the number of branches of the tree, and loquat should be dwarfed and shaped. Pruning usually takes several years to complete, not a lot of pruning in one year.

After the loquat seedlings are planted in the first year, the trunk grows to 30~50cm, and the stem is cut off to promote the growth of new branches, which is often called new shoots. New branches should be in the trunk of 30~50cm, and new branches below 30cm should be smoothed. New buds that germinate over 30 cm should be kept intact first, and the remaining new buds should be selected and preserved in the second year.

The selected branches should have strong growth potential, and the other branches should not grow in the same direction. There should be a certain distance between branches and make them into a semicircle tree. According to the actual sprouting branches of loquat, 2~3 branches should be left as main branches (if the branches are not ideal, they can be re-selected in the later growth, or adjusted by pulling, supporting and hanging), and the rest branches should be cut off from the base. In the third year, on the main branch, 1~2 branches were selected and cultivated as auxiliary main branches.

If the container is small, just leave two groups of branches. After that, in the annual pruning management, it is to maintain and update this tree. As for the overall height of the tree, according to the size of the basin, it is generally 3~4 times the height of the basin.

Water and fertilizer control water: loquat tree is drought-resistant and its root system is not very developed. If the container is not well drained, it is easy to rot. However, if it is too dry, the loquat leaves will be enlarged, and the water stored in the roots will be absorbed because of the loss of water, resulting in the death and withering of the roots.

According to the water demand characteristics of loquat, it is not necessary to water it too much in daily management, keep it dry properly, and replenish water after the surface soil is dry. During the fruit expansion period and the new shoot growth period of loquat, it is necessary to water, so it is necessary to keep the soil moisture (loquat trees need not be watered if the soil moisture content is not lower than 60%).

Fertilization: Put the base fertilizer before the loquat is put into the pot, and fertilize the unfruitful loquat tree twice a year. New buds appear in March, and autumn fertilizer is applied in September to supplement the nutrients needed by loquat. Put 3~ 10g organic granular fertilizer around the plant, preferably a small amount at a time and several times to avoid fertilizer damage.

When loquat enters the fruiting stage, topdressing is mainly based on the growth of the plant, and it is not necessary to topdressing at every stage. For example, before flowering, if loquat grows well or has few buds, topdressing will be done at this time, which will lead to falling flowers and fruits because of its flourishing leaves. If the tree is not growing well or there are many flower buds, it is necessary to apply fertilizer once to supplement nutrients.

In addition, when the young loquat fruit expands, it should be topdressing once, so that the loquat fruit will be sweeter. Plant ash or ternary fertilizer containing more potassium fertilizer can be used as fertilizer to promote the growth of loquat young fruit. After the fruit is picked, it needs to be fertilized again to supplement the consumption of loquat trees, which is beneficial to the good growth of loquat in the coming year.

If possible, the pot soil can be changed every three years after loquat bears fruit, and then excessive roots can be repaired. The purpose of this is that because of the limitation of the container, the root system can not expand, there will be many old roots and too long roots, which will affect the germination of new roots, and the soil in the container will also have the problem of fertility decline after being used for a long time.

Conclusion: Potted loquat should be pruned regularly. In the process of growth management, we should pay attention to water and fertilizer. Only when the roots absorb enough nutrients can loquat blossom and bear fruit. Generally speaking, grafted loquat trees can be harvested after 3 to 4 years of planting, and the seedlings need to wait longer. Good growth management is helpful for loquat to spend the young tree period and enter the flower and fruit period faster.