When to Plant Kiwi in Rapides Parish, LA
Kiwi vines produce fuzzy, tangy-sweet fruits and need both male and female plants for pollination. Hardy kiwi varieties (A. arguta) are suited to colder climates.
Rapides 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 388 feet, Rapides Parish receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kiwi during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kiwi root diseases.
Rapides Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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
Kiwi Planting Timeline — Rapides Parish, LA
Kiwi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
· 72" apart · Rows 96" 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
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8b
Growing Season
256 days
Growing Tips for Rapides Parish
Plant one male vine for every 6-8 female vines. Provide a very sturdy arbor or T-bar trellis. Prune heavily in winter. Protect young plants from frost in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Kiwi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kiwi in Rapides Parish, LA?
Rapides Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rapides Parish, LA?
Rapides 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 Rapides Parish gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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