Blog

When to Plant Loquat in Jefferson 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.

Jefferson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 3,886 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season.

Jefferson County, TN (Zone 7a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 23

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 16 gal / 100 sq ft
Loquat needs ~25,231 GDD — county provides 3,752 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Jefferson County, TN

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20

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

190 days

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, TN?

Jefferson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, TN?

Jefferson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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