Looks like that’ll have to wait until next year. Maybe if was from our low of ~24f or the endless rain, but the blooms have rotted/caught some sort of fungus.
Aren’t you in CA? I’m surprised.
That damage is cold related. And eventually get fungus
Barely California 
Yes, but I’m doing most of my growing up in Del Norte County, CA. It’s California’s own little PNW climate, including the full package deal of 100 inches of rain annually. I think for this winter we’re around 112" already and there’s still a little rainy season left. For past couple days we’ve had intermittent hail, too. Luckily it didn’t happen this year, but the worst is when this area remembers it’s still part of warm, sunny California in January and follows it up with a late, icy vengeance.
On a positive note, my Kanko down in Sonoma County had amazing fruit set this year. Normally I only get 0-2 fruit per cluster for across all my trees, so it’s making a great showing.
(Photos taken March 21)
Any idea what this might be? I have 2 seedlings from the International District tree. They are planted in a row along the frontage of my property, so pretty much identical parameters. However, the tree planted more south has all these desiccated terminal buds. They are crispy and break easily. Only a few aren’t impacted. The other tree, by comparison, has virtually none of these dried buds. It’s also considerably taller after the same amount of time in the earth.
Do they get powdery mildew or scab?
I’d assume cold damage, and one is hardier.
I agree that it is likely cold damage. I have it also on some potted trees - never in ground.
That makes sense. Do yours typically put on lot of growth before May? These have put on some new growth but not that much.
if that’s the case I’ll probably yank it out and put a named cultivar in its place. I’ve got two rooted cuttings of Big Jim. Maybe those will fare better.
What months do you see the most new growth on your loquats? These put on some new growth during March but not all that much. Quite minimal.
What’s your favorite company for sourcing loquat seeds?
I will source some loquat seed to you if you want to give me your seedlings from the International District tree.
Check out my Peluche fruits on the tree now, just took these photos yesterday.
I’m not in the Pacific Northwest, in SoCal, all my loquats are ripening now.
For anyone who has traded or purchased scions from me, go to the TFF, I’m having a giveaway. March Madness, guess who wins, and you might get a free Peluche cutting.
I agree with ramv and murky. Looks similar to the cold damage that happened to my potted tree two winters ago. The tree started putting on new grow later than normal - I believe due to the cold damage. Acted similar to pruning a branch. Several new branches started under the damage eventually.
If its planted in the ground I would graft to it.
Interesting. Why is that?
Seems like I have my answer. It’s strange because these trees lived through the January 2024 freeze and had less damage. Perhaps
because the tree had started growing during the false spring this winter, and thus became more susceptible to cold damage. I know that is a problem citrus growers in the southeastern United States often encounter when the temps fluctuate between very warm and downright frigid, a phenomenon that is very common for that region. The citrus trees remain actively growing and cannot tolerate the cold as well as when they are in a state of semi dormancy. My yuzus are just now waking up, and didn’t at all respond to the false spring in January. I’m still contemplating replacing it with a Big Jim I got from Fruitwood Nursery.
Because if it has established roots its likely a good head start compared to a transplant.
Sorry, I was half asleep. I read you last comment as ‘I would NOT graft onto the outdoor tree.’
In my sleep addled haze I was thinking I must have missed some special rule associated with in ground loquat trees.
