Frost Dates for New Orleans, LA 70121
New Orleans has 22 ZIP codes. The New Orleans, LA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 12 · First fall frost December 11 · 302 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 70121 has about 10,600 people, one of 22 ZIP codes in New Orleans.
Very long season: 302 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 14–March 9 (54 days). Fall frost risk spans November 19–January 1 (43 days).
Frost probability for 70121
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 9 | February 12 | January 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 19 | December 11 | January 1 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at NEW ORLEANS AP (12.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 302-day season in New Orleans
In New Orleans (302 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 8 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 260 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 26. | Aug 11 |
| Pepper | Jan 1 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 260 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 26. | Aug 16 |
| Lettuce | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 20; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 20 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 22–Jan 29 | 344 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 344 available after Jan 22. | Oct 9 |
| Cucumber | Jan 22 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
| Beans | — | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Dec 4. | Sep 21 |
| Peas | — | Dec 18–Feb 26 | 365 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 365 available after Dec 18. | Sep 30 |
| Zucchini | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Onion | Nov 20 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 337 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 18–Feb 5 | 379 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Nov 8; both mature before Jan 1. | Nov 8 |
| Kale | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Jan 1. | Oct 24 |
| Broccoli | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 337 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 15. | Sep 15 |
| Cabbage | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 351 available after Jan 15. | Oct 9 |
| Radish | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Nov 9; both mature before Dec 18. | Nov 9 |
| Beets | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 10 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Jan 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 11 | 407 | overwinter: Plant Dec 11 to Jan 1; harvest the following summer. | Jan 1 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 8–Mar 5 | 358 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 15 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 274 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 274 available after Feb 19. | Aug 23 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Feb 26 | 267 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 26. | Jul 29 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 1 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 316 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 5. | Sep 20 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 18 | Jan 29–Jan 29 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 29 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 10 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 379 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Nov 8; both mature before Jan 1. | Nov 8 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 351 available after Jan 15. | Sep 9 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 267 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 26. | Jul 29 |
| Eggplant | Dec 25 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 260 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 26. | Aug 21 |
| Okra | Jan 15 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 281 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Basil | Jan 8 | Mar 5–Mar 5 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 15–Feb 5 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 15 |
| Parsley | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 302 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 19. | Sep 25 |
| Celery | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 302 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 19. | Aug 6 |
| Scallions | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Jan 1. | Oct 19 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 29; both mature before Jan 1. | Oct 29 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 1–Jan 15 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 1 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Jan 1. | Oct 24 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 15 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 316 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 20; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 20 |
| Collards | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Jan 1. | Oct 19 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 260 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 26. | Aug 6 |
| Chives | Nov 20 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 316 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 10 |
| Oregano | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 316 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 20 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 302 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Sage | Dec 18 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 316 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 316 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 1 | Jan 29–Feb 12 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 29 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 18. | Oct 15 |
| Cosmos | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
| Lavender | Nov 20 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Feb 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 1 | Feb 12–Feb 19 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 24 |
| Melons | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 260 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 26. | Aug 6 |
| Mint | — | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Feb 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 19 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 281 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 281 available after Feb 19. | Sep 9 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 267 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 26. | Aug 8 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 288 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 288 available after Feb 12. | Sep 4 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 18 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 267 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 19. | Aug 16 |
| Watermelon | Jan 29 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 267 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 19. | Aug 11 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Zinnias | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
Month by month in New Orleans
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Calendula (Jan 1), Cauliflower (Jan 1), Marigolds (Jan 1), Pepper (Jan 1), Basil (Jan 8), Tomato (Jan 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 1), Cilantro (Jan 15), Turnip (Jan 15), Carrots (Jan 22), Potatoes (Jan 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 15), Cabbage (Jan 15), Collards (Jan 15), Kale (Jan 15), Lettuce (Jan 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 8). Last sowing dates: Garlic (Jan 1). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 12), Beans (Feb 19), Pole Beans (Feb 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Feb 5), Cauliflower (Feb 5), Cosmos (Feb 12), Lavender (Feb 12), Marigolds (Feb 12), Mint (Feb 12), +24 more. Last frost around February 12. |
| March | Transplant from: Basil (Mar 5). |
| 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 29), Pumpkin (Jul 29). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 6), Celery (Aug 6), Melons (Aug 6), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 8), Tomato (Aug 11), Watermelon (Aug 11), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 4), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 9), Pole Beans (Sep 9), Basil (Sep 14), Cosmos (Sep 14), Cucumber (Sep 14), +11 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 9), Carrots (Oct 9), Beets (Oct 10), Dill (Oct 10), Swiss Chard (Oct 10), Calendula (Oct 15), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 20), Lavender (Nov 20), Onion (Nov 20), Rosemary (Nov 20). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 8), Spinach (Nov 8), Radish (Nov 9). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 4), Collards (Dec 4), Kale (Dec 4), Oregano (Dec 4), Parsley (Dec 4), Scallions (Dec 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 11), Arugula (Dec 18), Beets (Dec 18), Dill (Dec 18), Peas (Dec 18), Radish (Dec 18), +1 more. First frost around December 11. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for New Orleans, LA (ZIP 70121)?
The median last spring frost date for New Orleans, LA (ZIP code 70121) is around February 12. 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 14; one in ten it runs past March 9.
What is the first fall frost date in New Orleans, LA?
The median first fall frost date for New Orleans, LA is around December 11. 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 19 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in New Orleans, LA?
The frost-free growing season in New Orleans is about 302 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 New Orleans (302 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 New Orleans, LA?
New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 8 and plant out Feb 26 in New Orleans. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in New Orleans?
Two: plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 20; both mature before Dec 18.
When do I plant garlic in New Orleans?
Dec 11 to Jan 1; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in New Orleans?
Yes: plant out Feb 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 11 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Metairie, LA 70003 (4.2 mi)
- Frost dates for New Orleans, LA 70119 (4.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Westwego, LA 70094 (4.5 mi)
- Frost dates for New Orleans, LA 70122 (6.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Kenner, LA 70065 (7.3 mi)
- When to plant in New Orleans, LA: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in LA
- When to plant Peppers in LA
- When to plant Cucumbers in LA
- When to plant Zucchini in LA
- When to plant Butternut Squash in LA
- When to plant Basil in LA
- When to plant Sweet Corn in LA
- Look up another ZIP