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Louisiana Planting Guide & Growing Season

Louisiana is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 260 days. The average last spring frost is Feb 15 - Mar 15 and the average first fall frost is Nov 1 - Dec 1.

USDA Zone Hardiness zone
Last Frost Feb 15 - Mar 15 Average spring
First Frost Nov 1 - Dec 1 Average fall
Growing Season 260 days Long season

Growing Conditions in Louisiana

USDA Hardiness Zone
Average Last FrostFeb 15 - Mar 15
Average First FrostNov 1 - Dec 1
Growing Season Length260 days

How Louisiana Compares

Compare Louisiana's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.

StateUSDA ZoneLast FrostFirst FrostSeason (days)
Louisiana (LA) Feb 15 - Mar 15Nov 1 - Dec 1260
Alabama (AL) Mar 1 - Apr 1Oct 25 - Nov 15220
Alaska (AK) May 15 - Jun 15Aug 15 - Sep 15105
Arizona (AZ) Feb 1 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Dec 15270
Arkansas (AR) Mar 15 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Nov 1210
California (CA) Jan 15 - Apr 15Oct 15 - Dec 31290

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Louisiana

When should I start seeds indoors in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the average last frost date is Feb 15 - Mar 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Louisiana is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 260 days.

What USDA hardiness zone is Louisiana?

Louisiana falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.

When is the first frost in Louisiana?

The average first frost date in Louisiana is Nov 1 - Dec 1. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.

How long is the growing season in Louisiana?

Louisiana has an average growing season of 260 days, from the last frost (Feb 15 - Mar 15) to first frost (Nov 1 - Dec 1). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.

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