Loquat is a good choice of fruit tree that grows best in Texas. This tree prefers warm conditions, even for seed germination; it requires a temperature range of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius with proper humidity.
Unlike other fruit trees, loquat seeds don’t require cold stratification, which makes it a warm-season perennial fruit tree. These ideal growth situations may vary from area to area due to their diverse climates.
That is why, when a question comes, “When to plant loquat seeds in Texas,” you have to consider your local frost dates. The point is to protect loquat seeds from frost.
When to Plant Loquat Seeds In Texas?
According to the Texas growing season and frost dates, the right planting time for loquat seeds varies slightly even within Texas.
So, this article exactly explains when to plant loquat seeds in Texas, whether you live in north, south, west, or east Texas.
Since loquat seeds don’t demand stratification, ideal planting is when the soil temperature is mostly 18 to 24 centigrade, meaning that after the last frost date.
Here is how the planting time of loquat seeds to plant directly outdoors shifts in Texas based on the last frost date. I will call it spring planting time for Loquat seeds, which is possible in all of Texas.
Spring Planting Guide for Loquat Seeds
| Region | Last Spring Frost | Ideal Planting Time |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas | Feb 10 – Mar 1 | Late Feb – Early Mar |
| East Texas | Early – Mid Feb | Mid – Late Feb |
| Central Texas | Mar 14 – Mar 15 | Mid – Late Mar |
| West Texas | Late Mar – Apr 10 | Early – Mid Apr |
| North Texas | Mar 12 – Apr 20 | Late Mar – Mid Apr |
Can YOU Plant Loquat Seeds Directly in the Outdoor Garden in The Fall Season of Texas?
South Texas: High Chances
The chances of fall planting loquat seeds directly outdoors are only possible in South Texas, where frost is almost nonexistent, such as Brownsville, McAllen, and Harlingen.
In the southern parts of Texas, if you plant loquat seeds outdoors from September to October, the seeds can survive the mild winter after germination.
But it is necessary to protect loquat seedlings from occasional frost that may come from December to January in Texas.
East Texas
Direct outdoor sowing of loquat seeds may also be possible in East Texas, but with caution……..
Because in East Texas, the first frost usually occurs at the end of November, plant loquat seeds from early September to October. In this way, loquat seeds will germinate and grow before the first frost date.
But the humidity of East Texas and the frost combo of the fall season may damage young loquat seedlings, so it is always recommended to use mulch and row cover there.
Other Parts of Texas: Not Recommended
Living in central, west, and north Texas, fall planting may not be possible or even recommended, especially in north Texas. Here, you can start indoor sowing to transplant the loquat seedling after the last frost date.
I would describe it as fall planting for loquat seeds, which is possible in south and east Texas (direct outdoor sowing). However, for other northern parts, indoor fall sowing is recommended.
Fall Planting Guide for Loquat Seeds in Texas
| Region | Fall Planting Method | When to Plant/Start (Fall) | When to Transplant Outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas | Direct sow outdoors | Late Sep – Mid Oct | — |
| East Texas | Direct sow outdoors | Mid Sep – Early Oct | — |
| Central Texas | Start indoors in pots | Mid Aug – Early Sep | After last frost (Mid–Late Mar) |
| West Texas | Start indoors in pots | Early Aug – Late Aug | After last frost (Late Mar – Mid Apr) |
| North Texas | Start indoors in pots | Early Aug – Mid Aug | After last frost (Late Mar – Mid Apr) |
Best Loquat Varieties for Texas
By the way, the loquat tree is well-suited for the Texas climate due to its warm-season preference and cold-hardiness ability.
Your own taste and size preference also matter, but here are some recommended loquat varieties for Texas.
| Region | USDA Zone | Best Loquat Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas | Zone 9b–10a | Gold Nugget, Novak, Advance, Big Jim |
| East Texas | Zone 9a–9b | Big Jim, Early Red, Wolfe |
| Central Texas | Zone 8b–9a | Wolfe, Sherry, Champagne |
| West Texas | Zone 8a–8b | Wolfe, Tanaka |
| North Texas | Zone 8a–7b | Wolfe, Tanaka |
How to Plant Loquat Seeds in Texas?
When the topic comes to “how to plant,” I heard from many mouths that’s why YOU think so about its separate content, which only describes its sowing steps.
Then I answer them that obviously, the planting method remains the same everywhere, but the planting time changes based on the specific climate.
And that thing makes me and my blog “GardenChains” more special. So, living in Texas, if you have truly decided to plant a loquat from its seeds, read the five steps to sow loquat seeds simply.
Do you know? A Seed-grown loquat tree may bear fruit after 10 years, which is why people move to grafting, which is good, but listen carefully, this time is filled with rewarding experience in which you see each growth stage from your own eyes. What if you get fruit only after 10 years? At least you can still enjoy its beauty in the glossy leather-like leaves it has.😊
