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When to Plant Loquat in San Saba 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.

San Saba 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 3,436 feet, San Saba County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

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

San Saba County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 3

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
Loquat needs ~25,231 GDD — county provides 4,740 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” San Saba County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

240 days

Growing Tips for San Saba 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 San Saba County, TX?

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

What planting zone is San Saba County, TX?

San Saba 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 โ€” designed to help San Saba 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 San Saba County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.