Frost Dates for Lake Charles, LA 70607
Lake Charles has 7 ZIP codes. The Lake Charles, LA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 14 · First fall frost December 10 · 299 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 70607 has about 27,100 people, one of 7 ZIP codes in Lake Charles.
Very long season: 299 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 24–March 11 (46 days). Fall frost risk spans November 13–January 25 (73 days).
Frost probability for 70607
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 11 | February 14 | January 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 13 | December 10 | January 25 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LAKE ARTHUR 7 SW (42.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 299-day season in Lake Charles
In Lake Charles (299 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Jan 10 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 257 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 28. | Aug 10 |
| Pepper | Jan 3 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 257 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 28. | Aug 15 |
| Lettuce | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 334 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 19 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 341 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 341 available after Jan 24. | Oct 8 |
| Cucumber | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Beans | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 285 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Dec 3. | Sep 20 |
| Peas | — | Dec 20–Feb 28 | 362 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 362 available after Dec 20. | Sep 29 |
| Zucchini | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Onion | Nov 22 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 334 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 334 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 20–Feb 7 | 376 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Nov 7; both mature before Dec 31. | Nov 7 |
| Kale | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 23 |
| Broccoli | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 334 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 334 available after Jan 17. | Sep 14 |
| Cabbage | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 348 available after Jan 17. | Oct 8 |
| Radish | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Nov 8; both mature before Dec 17. | Nov 8 |
| Beets | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 320 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 320 available after Jan 31. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 10 | 404 | overwinter: Plant Dec 10 to Dec 31; harvest the following summer. | Dec 31 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 10–Mar 7 | 355 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 10; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 17 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 271 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 271 available after Feb 21. | Aug 22 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Feb 28 | 264 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 28. | Jul 28 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 3 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 313 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 7. | Sep 19 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 20 | Jan 31–Jan 31 | 320 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 376 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Nov 7; both mature before Dec 31. | Nov 7 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 348 available after Jan 17. | Sep 8 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 264 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 28. | Jul 28 |
| Eggplant | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 257 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 28. | Aug 20 |
| Okra | Jan 17 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Basil | Jan 10 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 17–Feb 7 | 334 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 14 |
| Parsley | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 299 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 21. | Sep 24 |
| Celery | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 299 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 21. | Aug 5 |
| Scallions | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 18 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 28 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 3 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 23 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 17 | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 19 |
| Collards | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 348 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 18 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 257 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 28. | Aug 5 |
| Chives | Nov 22 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 313 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 362 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Oregano | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 313 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 22 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 299 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 299 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Sage | Dec 20 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 313 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 313 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 3 | Jan 31–Feb 14 | 320 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 14 |
| Cosmos | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 285 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Lavender | Nov 22 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 320 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 320 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 3 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 285 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 23 |
| Melons | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 257 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 28. | Aug 5 |
| Mint | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 320 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 320 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 285 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 278 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 278 available after Feb 21. | Sep 8 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 264 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 28. | Aug 7 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 285 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 285 available after Feb 14. | Sep 3 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 20 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 264 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 21. | Aug 15 |
| Watermelon | Jan 31 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 264 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 21. | Aug 10 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Zinnias | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 285 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
Month by month in Lake Charles
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Calendula (Jan 3), Cauliflower (Jan 3), Marigolds (Jan 3), Pepper (Jan 3), Basil (Jan 10), Tomato (Jan 10), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 3), Cilantro (Jan 17), Turnip (Jan 17), Carrots (Jan 24), Potatoes (Jan 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 17), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 17), Cabbage (Jan 17), Collards (Jan 17), Kale (Jan 17), Lettuce (Jan 17), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 10). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 14), Beans (Feb 21), Pole Beans (Feb 21). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Feb 7), Cauliflower (Feb 7), Cosmos (Feb 14), Lavender (Feb 14), Marigolds (Feb 14), Mint (Feb 14), +24 more. Last frost around February 14. |
| March | Transplant from: Basil (Mar 7). |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 28), Pumpkin (Jul 28). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 5), Celery (Aug 5), Melons (Aug 5), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 7), Tomato (Aug 10), Watermelon (Aug 10), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 3), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 8), Pole Beans (Sep 8), Basil (Sep 13), Cosmos (Sep 13), Cucumber (Sep 13), +11 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 8), Carrots (Oct 8), Beets (Oct 9), Dill (Oct 9), Swiss Chard (Oct 9), Calendula (Oct 14), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 22), Lavender (Nov 22), Onion (Nov 22), Rosemary (Nov 22). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 7), Spinach (Nov 7), Radish (Nov 8). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 6), Collards (Dec 6), Kale (Dec 6), Oregano (Dec 6), Parsley (Dec 6), Scallions (Dec 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 10), Arugula (Dec 20), Beets (Dec 20), Dill (Dec 20), Peas (Dec 20), Radish (Dec 20), +1 more. First frost around December 10. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 31). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Lake Charles, LA (ZIP 70607)?
The median last spring frost date for Lake Charles, LA (ZIP code 70607) is around February 14. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before January 24; one in ten it runs past March 11.
What is the first fall frost date in Lake Charles, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Lake Charles, LA is around December 10. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around November 13 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Lake Charles, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Lake Charles is about 299 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Lake Charles (299 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Lake Charles, LA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 10 and plant out Feb 28 in Lake Charles. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Lake Charles?
Two: plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17.
When do I plant garlic in Lake Charles?
Dec 10 to Dec 31; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Lake Charles?
Yes: plant out Feb 28 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 10 for a fall crop.
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- When to plant in Lake Charles, LA: month-by-month guide
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