Blog

When to Plant Loquat in Uvalde 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.

Uvalde County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 2,809 feet, Uvalde County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Loquat may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.

Uvalde County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Uvalde County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 29
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 Uvalde County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) overlaps with Loquat's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 21 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€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Uvalde 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 ~27,147 GDD — county provides 5,333 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline β€” Uvalde County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Transplant Outdoors
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: acceptable

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

251 days in Uvalde County

Growing Tips for Loquat in Uvalde County

Direct sow Loquat outdoors after March 08 in Uvalde County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 251.0-day growing season in Uvalde 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 Uvalde County, TX?

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

What planting zone is Uvalde County, TX?

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

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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