It is a nuisance for every gardener when the loquat no longer blooms. The search for the reason varies from case to case. Both incorrect care measures and suboptimal site conditions can be possible causes.
Why isn't my loquat blooming?
If a loquat doesn't bloom, the cause could be an unsuitable location, too little water, a lack of nutrients or incorrect pruning. For optimal flower formation, the plant should be given a bright location, regular watering, sufficient nutrients and autumn pruning.
These factors negatively influence the development of the flowers:
- an unsuitable location
- too little water
- lack of nutrients
- pruning in spring
An unsuitable location
The loquat likes a location with bright conditions. A shady and dark location between other trees reduces the ability to bloom. The bushes develop few or no flowers because they lack the sun's energy. While changing the location of potted plants is not a problem, transplanting shrubs in the garden is only possible with young trees. Give the shrub a bright and wind-protected place.
Too little water
Loquats are sensitive to drought despite their moderate water requirements. The soil should never dry out completely, as this condition negatively affects the plant's growth performance. The tree tries to save energy by no longer developing flowers. Water the plant regularly as soon as the top layer of soil has dried. This applies to both plants in beds and shrubs in pots. Moderate watering prevents waterlogging from forming in the substrate.
Lack of nutrients
When the supply of nutrients via the roots decreases, the plant has to save its energy reserves. The loquat reacts to the lack of nutrients with reduced flower formation. You support the wood with fertilization (€10.00 on Amazon), which ideally takes place in spring. The growth phase of the leaves begins here. A slow-release fertilizer provides the plant with nutrients for several months. It ensures that the plant has enough nutrients available for the development of the flower buds.
Pruning in spring
Regular pruning stimulates the bushes to produce flowers. The right time is important because the trees develop their flower buds, which bloom the following year, in autumn. If you do not cut back the loquat until spring, then branches with flower buds will also be separated. Remove disturbing branches before the onset of winter and ensure moderate thinning so that the shrub has enough branches available. Glossy mites develop flower buds for the next year even after pruning in autumn.
