When to Plant Loquat in Coahoma County, MS
May to-do list for Coahoma County, Mississippi
Your garden in Coahoma County, Mississippi is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
Coahoma County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 490 feet, Coahoma County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Loquat may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Loquat, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Loquat root diseases.
Coahoma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Coahoma County
How your county's soil matches Loquat's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Loquat prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Coahoma County is excellent for Loquat — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Loquat.
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Coahoma 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 — Coahoma County, MS
Loquat Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
240 days in Coahoma County
Growing Tips for Loquat in Coahoma County
Direct sow Loquat outdoors after March 16 in Coahoma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Coahoma County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Loquat. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Coahoma County, provide afternoon shade for Loquat and water deeply in the morning.
Your 240.0-day growing season in Coahoma 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 Coahoma County, MS?
Coahoma County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Loquat planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coahoma County, MS?
Coahoma County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Coahoma County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Coahoma County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.