When to Plant Che Fruit in Ouachita Parish, LA
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 340 feet, Ouachita Parish receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Ouachita Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Ouachita Parish, LA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
247 days
Growing Tips for Ouachita Parish
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Ouachita Parish, LA?
Ouachita Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouachita Parish, LA?
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ouachita Parish gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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