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When to Plant Loquat in Portsmouth City, VA

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.

Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.

At an elevation of 594 feet, Portsmouth City receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season.

Portsmouth City, VA (Zone 8a) Long season
240 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
240 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Portsmouth City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 14

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 577 gal / 100 sq ft
Loquat needs ~25,231 GDD — county provides 4,740 GDD May not mature

Loquat Planting Timeline โ€” Portsmouth City, VA

Loquat Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26

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 Portsmouth City

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 Portsmouth City, VA?

Portsmouth City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Portsmouth City, VA?

Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.