When to Plant Guava in Calcasieu Parish, LA
Your May planting checklist for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Guava is a tropical fruit tree producing fragrant, vitamin C-rich fruits with pink, white, or yellow flesh. Some varieties can tolerate brief cold snaps.
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Calcasieu Parish receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Guava may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Guava will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Guava root diseases.
Calcasieu Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Calcasieu Parish
How your county's soil matches Guava's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) overlaps with Guava's range (5.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Calcasieu Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Guava will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Guava.
How to Plant Guava
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Guava
Guava needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Guava Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Calcasieu Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Guava Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Guava Planting Timeline — Calcasieu Parish, LA
Guava Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Calcasieu Parish
Growing Tips for Guava in Calcasieu Parish
Direct sow Guava outdoors after February 13 in Calcasieu Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Calcasieu Parish dries quickly — mulch Guava with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Calcasieu Parish, provide afternoon shade for Guava and water deeply in the morning.
Your 298.0-day growing season in Calcasieu Parish is tight for Guava (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in a sheltered location with full sun. Water regularly during fruiting. In marginal zones, grow in large containers. Prune to maintain size and shape. Fruits ripen year-round in the tropics.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Guava in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Guava in Calcasieu Parish, LA?
Calcasieu Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Guava planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calcasieu Parish, LA?
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Calcasieu Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Calcasieu Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.