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When to Plant Loquat in DeKalb County, TN

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.

DeKalb County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 3,805 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

DeKalb County, TN (Zone 7a) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

DeKalb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Loquat needs ~22,356 GDD — county provides 3,517 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” DeKalb County, TN

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

201 days

Growing Tips for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, TN?

DeKalb County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeKalb County, TN?

DeKalb County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help DeKalb County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 DeKalb County, TN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.