Bare-Root Babies

This week brought two groups of bare-root seedlings. The first, a group of Loquat seedlings, came as a gift from our friends, Alma and Agnes. The second, a group of Cherry Laurel seedlings, came in a delivery from Sharon's Florida.

The Loquats, or Japanese Plums, grew from seeds Alma planted and grew out. Her family and friends say that she can grow anything from a seed or cutting. I planted ten pots with the seedlings she brought.

Loquats, Eriobotrya japonica are 

also known as Japanese Plums

Loquats, or Japanese Plums, are originally from China and produce fruit similar to apricots. Seedling loquats take seven or eight years to produce fruit. Green Dean's Loquat article on Eat the Weeds tells the history of the Loquat and offers interesting recipes.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension article, "Loquat Growing in the Florida Home Landscape," gives information about Loquat care and some of the best named varieties. These Loquat seedlings may someday be rootstocks for named-variety scion wood.

Cherry Laurels, Prunus caroliniana, are native shrubs

The Cherry Laurels (Prunus caroliniana) were ordered on eBay from Sharon's Florida, a nursery in Brooksville, specializing in Florida native plants. A Cherry Laurel hedge is evergreen and will grow 25 feet tall in shade, providing privacy for the Homestead and food and shelter for the birds.

These fifteen pots of Cherry Laurels from the bare-root seedlings are doing well.