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When to Plant Persimmon in Catahoula Parish, LA

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana Zone 9a May

This month in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana

Your Catahoula Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost March 5
Avg. first frost November 16
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs

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Persimmons are ornamental trees producing sweet, honey-flavored fruits in fall. American persimmons are astringent until fully ripe while Asian types can be eaten firm.

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. 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 73 feet, Catahoula Parish receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Persimmon root diseases.

Catahoula Parish, LA (Zone 9a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16
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Catahoula Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 8

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 Catahoula Parish

How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Catahoula Parish is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 181 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Persimmon

Persimmon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Persimmon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Catahoula Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon 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.

Persimmon needs ~33,306 GDD — county provides 4,672 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Catahoula Parish, LA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Catahoula Parish

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Catahoula Parish

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after March 05 in Catahoula Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 256.0-day growing season in Catahoula Parish is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

Choose self-fertile varieties or plant male and female trees. American types must be fully soft-ripe before eating. Asian varieties may be eaten when firm. Minimal pruning needed.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Catahoula Parish, LA?

Catahoula Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Catahoula Parish, LA?

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Your Catahoula Parish Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Catahoula 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Catahoula Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.