When to Plant Chard in St. Charles 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.
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 154 feet, St. Charles Parish receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°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.
St. Charles Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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
Chard Planting Timeline — St. Charles Parish, LA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Direct Sow | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 20 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 9a
Growing Season
284 days
Growing Tips for St. Charles 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 St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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