When to Plant Che Fruit in Vernon 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.
Vernon Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 481 feet, Vernon Parish receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Vernon Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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 — Vernon 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
256 days
Growing Tips for Vernon 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 Vernon Parish, LA?
Vernon 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 Vernon Parish, LA?
Vernon Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Vernon Parish gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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