When to Plant Mulberries in Orleans Parish, LA
Your May planting checklist for Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Here's what deserves your attention in Orleans Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
Mulberries are fast-growing, long-lived trees that produce abundant sweet-tart berries over an extended harvest period. The berries resemble elongated blackberries.
Orleans Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 489 feet, Orleans Parish receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Mulberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Mulberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Mulberries root diseases.
Orleans Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Orleans Parish
How your county's soil matches Mulberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) overlaps with Mulberries's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Orleans Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Mulberries will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Mulberries.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Mulberries.
How to Plant Mulberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mulberries
Mulberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mulberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Orleans Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mulberries 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.
Mulberries Planting Timeline — Orleans Parish, LA
Mulberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
· 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Orleans Parish
Growing Tips for Mulberries in Orleans Parish
Direct sow Mulberries outdoors after February 20 in Orleans Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Orleans Parish dries quickly — mulch Mulberries with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Orleans Parish, provide afternoon shade for Mulberries and water deeply in the morning.
Your 277.0-day growing season in Orleans Parish is tight for Mulberries (730.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant away from driveways and patios as fallen berries stain. Minimal pruning is needed. Harvest by shaking branches over a tarp. Birds love mulberries so plant extra.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mulberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mulberries in Orleans Parish, LA?
Orleans Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Mulberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orleans Parish, LA?
Orleans Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Orleans Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Orleans Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.