When to Plant Quince in St. Charles Parish, LA
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Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 154 feet, St. Charles Parish receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Quince may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Quince will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Quince root diseases.
St. Charles 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 St. Charles Parish
How your county's soil matches Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Quince prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Charles Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Quince will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Quince
Quince needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Quince Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Charles Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Quince 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.
Quince Planting Timeline — St. Charles Parish, LA
Quince 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
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
284 days in St. Charles Parish
Growing Tips for Quince in St. Charles Parish
Direct sow Quince outdoors after February 20 in St. Charles Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Charles Parish dries quickly — mulch Quince with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in St. Charles Parish, provide afternoon shade for Quince and water deeply in the morning.
Your 285.0-day growing season in St. Charles Parish is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Charles Parish, LA?
St. Charles Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your St. Charles Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Charles 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.