When to Plant Loquat in King County, WA
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.
King County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 258 feet, King County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Loquat during the growing season.
King County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 King County
How your county's soil matches Loquat's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.4) overlaps with Loquat's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in King County is excellent for Loquat — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Loquat will thrive.
How to Plant Loquat
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in King County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°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 Planting Timeline — King County, WA
Loquat Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in King County
Growing Tips for Loquat in King County
Direct sow Loquat outdoors after April 07 in King County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 206.0-day growing season in King 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 →
Loquat in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Loquat in King County, WA?
King County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is King County, WA?
King County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help King County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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