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When to Plant Loquat in Graham County, AZ

Loquat is an attractive evergreen tree producing clusters of small, tangy-sweet, apricot-colored fruits in late winter to early spring. It also serves as an ornamental shade tree.

Graham County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 2,604 feet, Graham County receives approximately 8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Loquat may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Loquat will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Loquat successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Graham County, AZ (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Graham County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
1.4″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,598 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Loquat needs ~30,021 GDD — county provides 5,005 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Graham County, AZ

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1825 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

213 days

Growing Tips for Graham County

Plant in a sheltered location to protect winter flowers from frost. Loquats are self-fertile but produce better with cross-pollination. Thin fruit clusters for larger individual fruits.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Loquat in Graham County, AZ?

Graham County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Graham County, AZ?

Graham County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Graham County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Graham County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.