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When to Plant Loquat in Baylor County, TX

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.

Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 2,365 feet, Baylor County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

Baylor County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Baylor County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4

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.

Soil Compatibility in Baylor County

How your county's soil matches Loquat's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) is within Loquat's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Baylor County is excellent for Loquat β€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Loquat.

How to Plant Loquat

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

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 36 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Loquat

Loquat needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Loquat Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Loquat Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" β€” every day above 50Β°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Loquat needs ~24,272 GDD — county provides 4,541 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline β€” Baylor County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

1"/week Β· Only during dry spells

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1825 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: ideal

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

239 days in Baylor County

Growing Tips for Loquat in Baylor County

Direct sow Loquat outdoors after March 21 in Baylor County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 239.0-day growing season in Baylor County is tight for Loquat (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Loquat in Baylor County, TX?

Baylor County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baylor County, TX?

Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 15.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Baylor 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 Baylor County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.