Louisiana’s rainy stretches might feel overwhelming, but some fruit plants treat all that moisture like a personal advantage. I’ve grown a few that seemed to get happier with every downpour.
They stay lush, steady, and far less fussy than you’d expect in such wet conditions. That natural match with the climate is what makes them top picks for Louisiana gardens.
1. Satsuma Oranges
Sweet and easy to peel, satsumas have become a Louisiana favorite for good reason. Unlike other citrus varieties that struggle with excess moisture, these cold-hardy oranges actually appreciate the state’s frequent rain showers.
Gardeners across Louisiana plant satsumas in fall, allowing roots to establish during the wet winter months. The fruit ripens in late autumn, providing fresh vitamin C right when cold season arrives.
Plant your tree in slightly elevated ground to prevent root rot while still enjoying natural rainfall benefits.
2. Blueberries
Blueberry bushes absolutely love acidic soil and consistent moisture, making them ideal for Louisiana’s rainy climate. Rabbiteye varieties perform exceptionally well in the southern part of the state, producing abundant harvests each summer.
Plant at least two different varieties together for better pollination and bigger crops. Louisiana gardeners often see their bushes produce for twenty years or more with minimal care.
Mulch around the base to maintain soil acidity and moisture levels between rainstorms.
3. Figs
With their Mediterranean origins, you might think figs dislike rain, but Louisiana-adapted varieties actually flourish with regular moisture. Celeste and Brown Turkey figs have grown successfully in the state for generations, producing two crops annually.
Rain helps these trees develop sweet, juicy fruit without requiring irrigation systems. Louisiana’s humidity also keeps the foliage healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
Position your fig tree where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal fruit production.
4. Muscadine Grapes
Native to the southeastern United States, muscadine grapes were practically designed for Louisiana’s rainy conditions. Their thick skins resist splitting even during heavy downpours, unlike traditional European grape varieties that struggle with moisture.
These bronze or purple beauties ripen in late summer, offering incredible sweetness and nutrition. Louisiana gardeners appreciate how disease-resistant muscadines remain despite the humid environment.
Train vines on sturdy arbors or fences, allowing air circulation to prevent fungal issues during particularly wet periods.
5. Blackberries
Juicy blackberries thrive in Louisiana’s rainy springs, producing enormous harvests when moisture levels stay consistent. Thornless varieties have become increasingly popular among home gardeners who want easy picking without scratches.
Rain during flowering season helps berries develop to their full potential size and sweetness. Louisiana’s long growing season allows some varieties to produce fruit twice yearly.
Prune canes after harvest to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding, which improves air circulation during humid weather.
6. Pears
Crisp and refreshing, pears adapt surprisingly well to Louisiana’s abundant rainfall when you choose the right varieties. Orient and Kieffer pears show exceptional resistance to fire blight, a disease that often affects fruit trees in humid conditions.
Regular rain means less work for gardeners since these trees rarely need supplemental watering. Louisiana’s mild winters provide enough chilling hours for proper fruit development without harsh freezes.
Space trees adequately to promote air movement, reducing fungal problems during the state’s wettest months.
7. Mayhaw
A true Louisiana native, mayhaw trees actually prefer growing in wet areas where other fruit trees would struggle. Found naturally in swamps and along waterways, these small trees produce tart red berries perfect for making the state’s famous mayhaw jelly.
Harvest season arrives in May, hence the name, right when spring rains are plentiful. Louisiana families have gathered mayhaw berries for generations, often wading through shallow water to collect them.
Plant near low-lying areas where water collects naturally after storms.
8. Persimmons
Brilliantly orange when ripe, persimmons handle Louisiana’s rainy falls without issue, continuing to sweeten on the tree even during wet weather. Native American persimmons grow wild throughout the state, proving how well-adapted they are to local conditions.
Both native and Asian varieties succeed in Louisiana gardens, offering different flavors and textures. Rain during growing season helps fruit reach impressive sizes while maintaining sweetness.
Wait until after first frost for harvesting native types, as cold temperatures remove astringency and improve flavor significantly.
9. Strawberries
Planted in fall across Louisiana, strawberries benefit from winter rains that keep roots hydrated without requiring irrigation. Spring harvest arrives early in the state, often by March or April, rewarding gardeners with sweet red berries.
Raised beds work wonderfully for strawberries in Louisiana, providing drainage during heavy rains while maintaining consistent moisture. Many gardeners grow them as cool-season annuals, replanting each autumn.
Apply mulch between plants to prevent mud splashing onto fruit during rainstorms, keeping berries clean and reducing rot.
10. Pomegranates
Surprisingly adaptable to Louisiana’s wet conditions, pomegranates have gained popularity among southern gardeners seeking unique fruit options. While drought-tolerant once established, these trees actually produce better when receiving regular rainfall during fruit development.
Louisiana’s long, hot summers give pomegranates plenty of time to ripen fully on the tree. Wonderful and Eversweet varieties show excellent disease resistance despite humid conditions.
Harvest in late fall when fruit develops deep color and makes a metallic sound when tapped gently with your finger.