Length: 150 – 170mm with 3 - 4 buds
Diameter: 5 – 12mm
Stem cuttings from mature plants growing under cover in North Canterbury.
Propagate and grow your own babaco plants quick and easy with stem cuttings. Simply place the cutting 1 third into the soil (right way up) and keep damp in a sunny, sheltered, warm location. Roots will form around the bottom cut surface.
Plants are self fertile, so only one plant is required to set fruit.
High success rate and should produce fruit in 12 – 18 months.
Loquats are typically harvested in New Zealand from late spring to early summer, around November to December, depending on the climate and variety.
Typically ready for harvest from summer to early autumn, depending on your region and local growing conditions.
Colour Change - The fruit changes from green to a bright yellow or golden-orange hue (depending on the variety). The colour should be rich and uniform.
Softness - Gently squeeze the fruit; it should feel slightly soft but not squishy.
Separation from the Vine - Ripe fruit often falls from the vine on its own. If it’s still attached but shows the above signs, it may still be ready to harvest.
Manual Picking - Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached to prevent damage. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
Collect Fallen Fruit - Check around the plant regularly for fallen fruit, as these are often at peak ripeness.
Tip: Avoid eating the skin as it is not palatable and may contain compounds that can be slightly toxic in large quantities.
Harvesting ripe purple figs in January in North Canterbury, New Zealand, is a delightful experience, as the height of summer offers warm days and plenty of sunshine, perfect for ripening figs to their full potential.
The figs on the tree are usually plump, slightly soft to the touch, and emit a faint sweet aroma when ripe. Their purple skin might show slight cracking, a good indicator of peak ripeness. Harvesting is best done early in the morning when the air is cool, and the fruit is at its freshest.
To pick them, gently twist the fig at its stem or use a pair of clean garden shears to snip it off, taking care not to damage the fruit or the branches. Wear gloves or long sleeves if the sap from the tree irritates your skin, as fig sap can be sticky and mildly irritating for some.
Once picked, the figs are ready to be enjoyed fresh, their juicy and sweet flesh making a perfect summer treat. Alternatively, they can be preserved in jams, dried, or baked into desserts. In North Canterbury’s warm climate, this is a rewarding seasonal activity for home gardeners or orchardists alike.
