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When to Plant Strawberries in Vermilion Parish, LA

Strawberries are a beloved perennial fruit available as June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral types. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow in containers or garden beds.

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.

At an elevation of 430 feet, Vermilion Parish receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99ยฐF, so Strawberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Strawberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Strawberries root diseases.

Vermilion Parish, LA (Zone 9a) Year-round
295 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
295 growing days
First Fall Frost December 5

Vermilion Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Dec 12
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Dec 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (335 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Jan 18

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~5,517 GDD — county provides 7,178 GDD Excellent fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Vermilion Parish, LA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 โ€“ Mar 13
Harvest May 29 May 29 โ€“ Dec 25

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December Harvest

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“365 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 6.8

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

295 days

Growing Tips for Vermilion Parish

Plant with crowns at soil level. Remove runners the first year to strengthen plants. Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and suppress weeds. Renovate June-bearing beds after harvest.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Strawberries in Vermilion Parish, LA?

Vermilion Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Vermilion Parish, LA?

Vermilion Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Vermilion Parish gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Vermilion Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.