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When to Plant Loquat in Gillespie 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.

Gillespie County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.

At an elevation of 3,036 feet, Gillespie County receives approximately 65.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°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.

Gillespie County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
240 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
240 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Gillespie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 12" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Loquat Planting Timeline β€” Gillespie County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23

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

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

730–1825 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

240 days in Gillespie County

Growing Tips for Gillespie 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Loquat in Gillespie County, TX?

Gillespie County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gillespie County, TX?

Gillespie County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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