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When to Plant Loquat in Madison Parish, LA

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.

Madison Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 62 feet, Madison Parish receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

Madison Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Madison Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 20

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 311 gal / 100 sq ft
Loquat needs ~26,189 GDD — county provides 5,125 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Madison Parish, LA

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 13

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

250 days

Growing Tips for Madison Parish

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 Madison Parish, LA?

Madison Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison Parish, LA?

Madison Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison Parish gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Madison Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.