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When to Plant Loquat in Wood 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.

Wood County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 249 days.

At an elevation of 15 feet, Wood County receives approximately 65.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Wood County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
249 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
249 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Wood County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 20

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 ~26,189 GDD — county provides 5,104 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Wood County, TX

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16

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

249 days

Growing Tips for Wood 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 Wood County, TX?

Wood County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wood County, TX?

Wood County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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