Blog

When to Plant Pawpaw in Hardeman County, TX

Pawpaw is the largest native fruit tree in North America, producing tropical-tasting custard-like fruits. Young trees prefer shade but fruiting trees need good light.

Hardeman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 2,010 feet, Hardeman County receives approximately 47.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pawpaw during the growing season.

Hardeman County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Hardeman 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: Apr 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 6

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 938 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pawpaw needs ~30,569 GDD — county provides 3,718 GDD May not mature

Pawpaw Planting Timeline โ€” Hardeman County, TX

Pawpaw Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

222 days

Growing Tips for Hardeman County

Plant at least two genetically distinct trees for cross-pollination. Provide shade for young trees. Fruits ripen in fall and have a very short shelf life. Harvest when slightly soft.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pawpaw in Hardeman County, TX?

Hardeman County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hardeman County, TX?

Hardeman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hardeman County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Hardeman County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.