When to Plant Chard in Plaquemines Parish, LA
Swiss chard is a colorful, heat-tolerant green with large crinkled leaves and vibrant stalks in red, yellow, and white. Both the leaves and stems are edible and nutritious.
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 304 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Plaquemines Parish receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Plaquemines Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chard Planting Timeline — Plaquemines Parish, LA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – May 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
304 days
Growing Tips for Plaquemines Parish
Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production. Chard tolerates both heat and light frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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