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When to Plant Loquat in Hardin 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.

Hardin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.

At an elevation of 323 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 66.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Loquat will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

Hardin County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
293 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
293 growing days
First Fall Frost December 4

Hardin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Feb 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 27

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
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 135 gal / 100 sq ft
Loquat needs ~22,356 GDD — county provides 5,145 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Hardin County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

293 days

Growing Tips for Hardin 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 Hardin County, TX?

Hardin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hardin County, TX?

Hardin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hardin County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Hardin County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.