When to Plant Che Fruit in St. Helena 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.
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.
At an elevation of 437 feet, St. Helena Parish receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Che Fruit will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
St. Helena Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — St. Helena Parish, LA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
· 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 8b
Growing Season
270 days
Growing Tips for St. Helena 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 St. Helena Parish, LA?
St. Helena Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Helena Parish, LA?
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Helena Parish gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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