When to Plant Che Fruit in West Feliciana 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.
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 225 feet, West Feliciana Parish receives approximately 60.1 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
West Feliciana Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
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 — West Feliciana Parish, LA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| 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
278 days
Growing Tips for West Feliciana 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 West Feliciana Parish, LA?
West Feliciana Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is West Feliciana Parish, LA?
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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