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When to Plant Pawpaw in Kendall 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.

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 2,187 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Pawpaw may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pawpaw root diseases.

Kendall County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pawpaw

Pawpaw needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Pawpaw Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kendall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Pawpaw Planting Timeline β€” Kendall County, TX

Pawpaw Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13

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

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

256 days in Kendall County

Growing Tips for Kendall 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pawpaw in Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Pawpaw planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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