Planting calendar for Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Dates from 30 years of records at the Lsu Ben-Hur Farm weather station, 5.6 miles from Baton Rouge, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Baton Rouge at a glance

Weather station: Lsu Ben-Hur Farm · 5.6 mi
USDA zone: 9a
Last spring frost: typically Feb 28; 1 year in 10 after Mar 21
First fall frost: typically Nov 26; 1 year in 10 before Nov 6
Frost-free season: about 271 days
Hottest month: August: highs 91°F, nights 72°F
Coldest month: January: highs 61°F, nights 40°F
Rain: 61 in. a year, most in January, June and August

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Baton Rouge typically comes around Feb 28, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Mar 21. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 26. That leaves about 271 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Baton Rouge gets about 61 inches of rain a year, most of it in January, June and August. Crops that rot or get disease in hot, wet weather are timed to miss those months.

166 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 8 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Baton Rouge, month by month

January37

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Blueberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Fava bean, Leek, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Cauliflower, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Ground cherry, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

February34

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Bok choy / pak choi, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Collard greens, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Watercress

Herbs: Borage, Catnip, Dill, Feverfew, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Muscadine grape

Can also plant

Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Daikon radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Garlic chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Shiso (perilla), Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia, Milkweed (native)

March57

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Watercress, Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Catnip, Chives, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Muscadine grape

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon verbena, Lovage, Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blackberry, Blueberry, Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Celosia, Marigold

April32

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Edamame, Eggplant, Jicama, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Culantro, Lemon verbena, Papalo, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Ginger, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Roselle, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chives, Cuban oregano, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Ginger, Roselle, Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May10

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, Pigeon pea, Roselle, Sweet potato

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Lemongrass

Flowers: Annual salvia, Marigold

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Stevia, Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Pepper (hot / chili), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June13

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato

Herbs: Lemongrass

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice

July23

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celery, Edamame, Pepper (hot / chili), Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Parsley, Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

August39

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Borage

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Beet, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Kale, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Parsnip, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Calendula, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

September21

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (bush snap), Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season)

Herbs: Borage, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Spinach, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

October50

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Mache (corn salad), Pansy / viola

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

November51

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Celeriac (celery root), Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Stock

December47

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fava bean, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Celeriac (celery root)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Lavender, Parsley, Rosemary, Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Every crop that grows in Baton Rouge

166 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	Apr 1–15, Sep 8–28	Apr 16–Sep 7	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Mar 7–21, Aug 7–27	Mar 22–Aug 6	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Feb 14–28	—	Dec 13–27	Set out plants
Arugula	Jan 7–Feb 13, Oct 15–Dec 30	Feb 14–Apr 12, Aug 27–Oct 14, Dec 31–Jan 6	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Jan 31–Feb 28	Mar 1–28	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Mar 7–21, Aug 21–Sep 11	Mar 22–Apr 28, May 7–20, Jul 7–Aug 20	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Mar 7–21, Jul 17–Aug 7	Mar 22–Apr 27, Jun 9–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	Apr 1–15, Jul 23–Aug 12	Apr 16–Jul 22	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Mar 7–21, Aug 11–Sep 1	Mar 22–May 10, Jun 21–Aug 10	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Oct 11–Feb 2	Feb 3–Mar 31, Aug 14–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Mar 7–21, Aug 9–30	Mar 22–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Feb 14–28	Mar 1–15	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Aug 20	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Oct 18–Jan 18	Jan 19–Mar 12, Sep 8–Oct 17	Sep 6–Dec 7	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Oct 20–Jan 27	Jan 28–Mar 25, Sep 8–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 12–Dec 29	Sep 8–Oct 11, Dec 30–Feb 12	Aug 31–Nov 17	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 11–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 14, Aug 24–Oct 10	Aug 30–Dec 9	Set out plants
Cardoon	Sep 20–Dec 25	Jun 5–24, Aug 14–Sep 19, Dec 26–Feb 3	Jul 19–Oct 23	Set out plants
Carrot	Oct 9–Jan 28	Jan 29–Mar 24, Aug 14–Oct 8	—	Sow seeds
Cassava (yuca)	Apr 20–Jun 15	—	—	Set out plants
Cauliflower	Feb 7–21	Feb 22–Mar 16	Dec 27–Jan 10	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Jan 29–Feb 14, Aug 14–Dec 2	Feb 15–Mar 2, Jun 3–Aug 13, Dec 3–Jan 28	May 29–Sep 16, Nov 13–29	Set out plants
Celery	Feb 14–28, Jul 9–30	Mar 1–11, Jun 16–Jul 8	Apr 23–May 14, Nov 29–Dec 13	Set out plants
Chaya (tree spinach)	Apr 20–Jun 15	—	—	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Feb 7–21	Feb 22–Mar 7	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Oct 4–Feb 6	Feb 7–Apr 1, Jul 25–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Sep 26–Feb 12	Feb 13–Apr 11, Jul 7–Sep 25	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Mar 7–21, Aug 14–Sep 4	Mar 22–Apr 27, May 5–19, Jul 5–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Mar 7–21, Aug 12–Sep 1	Mar 22–Apr 23, Apr 25–May 15, Jun 28–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Oct 22–Jan 17	Jan 18–Mar 9, Sep 16–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	Apr 1–15, Jul 25–Aug 14	Apr 16–Jul 24	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	Apr 1–15, Jul 28–Aug 17	Apr 16–Jul 27	Jan 28–Feb 11, May 26–Jun 15	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Oct 25–Dec 20	Oct 3–24, Dec 21–Jan 23	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Feb 14–28	—	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Feb 14–Mar 26, Oct 7–23	Mar 27–Apr 27, Sep 12–Oct 6	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	May 18–Jun 15	Apr 20–May 17	Mar 30–Apr 27	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Jan 31–Feb 28	Mar 1–28	—	Sow seeds
Jicama	Apr 20–May 2	—	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 11–Feb 2	Feb 3–Mar 31, Aug 14–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Jan 4–Feb 5, Oct 15–Jan 1	Jan 2–3, Feb 6–Apr 4, Aug 24–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Jan 5–Feb 13, Oct 9–Jan 1	Jan 2–4, Feb 14–Apr 14, Aug 8–Oct 8	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Oct 1–Jan 4	Jan 5–Feb 21, Aug 14–Sep 30	Jul 30–Nov 2	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Jan 4–Feb 6, Oct 15–Jan 1	Jan 2–3, Feb 7–Apr 5, Aug 24–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Oct 19–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 16, Sep 8–Oct 18	Sep 14–Dec 17	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Oct 30–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 25, Sep 30–Oct 29	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jun 15	Mar 2–16	Set out plants
Moringa	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jun 15	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Jan 4–Feb 1, Oct 21–Jan 2	Jan 3, Feb 2–Mar 31, Sep 8–Oct 20	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Jan 14–Feb 8, Oct 4–Dec 22	Feb 9–Mar 22, Aug 24–Oct 3, Dec 23–Jan 13	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Mar 7–21, Aug 14–Sep 3	Mar 22–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jun 15	—	Set out plants
Okra	Apr 20–May 4, Aug 12–Sep 1	May 5–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Sep 29–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 18, Jun 17–24, Aug 14–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Jan 8–26, Oct 15–Dec 29	Jan 27–Mar 16, Sep 8–Oct 14, Dec 30–Jan 7	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Jan 7–25, Oct 15–Dec 29	Jan 26–Mar 15, Sep 8–Oct 14, Dec 30–Jan 6	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jun 21	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Mar 17–31, Jul 20–Aug 10	Apr 1–Jul 19	Jan 13–27, May 18–Jun 8	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Mar 14–28, Jul 30–Aug 20	Mar 29–Jul 29	Jan 10–24, May 28–Jun 18	Set out plants
Pigeon pea	May 11–Jun 4	Apr 20–May 10, Jun 5–8	—	Sow seeds
Popcorn	Mar 7–14	Mar 15–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Jan 31–Mar 7	Mar 8–19, Jun 26–Aug 9	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Mar 7–21, Jun 25–Jul 16	Mar 22–Apr 18, May 28–Jun 24	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	Apr 1–15, Aug 20–Sep 10	Apr 16–Aug 19	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Jan 31–Feb 19	—	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Jan 10–Feb 25, Oct 21–Dec 26	Feb 26–Apr 24, Sep 9–Oct 20, Dec 27–Jan 9	—	Sow seeds
Roselle	May 4–17	Apr 20–May 3	Mar 30–Apr 12	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Oct 20–Dec 24	Sep 23–Oct 19, Dec 25–Feb 1	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Sep 22–Dec 30	Jun 1–24, Aug 14–Sep 21, Dec 31–Feb 4	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Apr 20–May 4, Jun 23–Jul 13	May 5–Jun 22	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 18–Feb 4	Feb 5–Mar 23, Jun 18–Sep 17	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Apr 20–May 4, Jul 25–Aug 15	May 5–Jul 24	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 24–Jan 24	Jan 25–Mar 19, Sep 16–Oct 23	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Mar 7–21, Aug 17–Sep 6	Mar 22–Apr 26, Apr 29–May 17, Jul 2–Aug 16	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Feb 12–Mar 5	Feb 7–11, Mar 6–21	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Mar 7–14, Jul 30–Aug 19	Mar 15–Apr 15, Apr 19–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	May 25–Jul 7	Apr 20–May 24, Jul 8–16	Apr 6–May 19	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Sep 22–Mar 1	Mar 2–May 16, Jun 30–Sep 21	—	Sow seeds
Taro (dasheen)	Mar 7–25	—	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Mar 7–21	Mar 22–Aug 17	Jan 24–Feb 7	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Mar 7–21, Aug 14–Sep 3	Mar 22–Aug 13	Jan 17–31, Jun 26–Jul 16	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Mar 7–14, Aug 19–Sep 8	Mar 15–Apr 23, Apr 25–Aug 18	Jan 17–24, Jul 1–21	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	Apr 1–15, Aug 1–22	Apr 16–Jul 31	Feb 11–25, Jun 13–Jul 4	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Mar 7–21, Aug 1–22	Mar 22–May 5, Jun 18–Jul 31	Jan 17–31, Jun 13–Jul 4	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Mar 7–21, Jul 30–Aug 19	Mar 22–May 2, Jun 11–Jul 29	Jan 17–31, Jun 11–Jul 1	Set out plants
Turnip	Jan 4–Feb 5, Oct 15–Jan 1	Jan 2–3, Feb 6–Apr 4, Aug 24–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Feb 7–Mar 7	Mar 8–Apr 4	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	Apr 1–15, Jun 25–Jul 16	Apr 16–Jun 24	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Mar 7–21, Jul 5–26	Mar 22–Apr 24, Jun 6–Jul 4	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Apr 20–May 4, Jul 30–Aug 20	May 5–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 14–Feb 11	Set out plants
Basil	Apr 1–8, Aug 12–Sep 1	Apr 9–Aug 11	Feb 25–Mar 4, Jul 8–28	Set out plants
Bay laurel	Mar 7–31	Apr 1–25	—	Set out plants
Bee balm (bergamot)	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 10–Feb 7	Set out plants
Borage	Feb 21–Mar 27, Aug 24–Sep 18	Mar 28–Apr 22, Jul 20–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Oct 6–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 14, Aug 14–Oct 5	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Feb 14–Mar 7	Mar 8–28	Dec 27–Jan 17	Set out plants
Chamomile	Oct 9–Jan 28	Jan 29–Mar 25, Aug 14–Oct 8	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Jan 6–24, Oct 21–Dec 31	Jan 25–Mar 15, Sep 16–Oct 20, Jan 1–5	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 10–Feb 7	Set out plants
Cilantro	Jan 8–29, Oct 15–Dec 28	Jan 30–Mar 19, Sep 8–Oct 14, Dec 29–Jan 7	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	Apr 29–May 27	Apr 1–28	—	Set out plants
Culantro	Apr 20–May 4	May 5–Jun 15	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Feb 14–21, Sep 2–23	Feb 22–Apr 7, Aug 14–Sep 1	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Mar 7–21, Aug 26–Sep 16	Mar 22–Aug 25	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Feb 28–Mar 26, Sep 16–Oct 5	Mar 27–Apr 17, Aug 23–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Feb 21–Mar 14	Mar 15–Apr 4	Jan 3–24	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 10–Feb 7	Set out plants
Lavender	Mar 7–30	Mar 31–Apr 22	Dec 20–Jan 12	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Feb 14–Mar 7	Mar 8–28	Jan 10–31	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Mar 27–Apr 20	Mar 7–26, Apr 21–25	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	May 18–Jun 15	Apr 20–May 17	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Feb 14–27	Feb 28–Mar 13	Dec 27–Jan 9	Set out plants
Marjoram	Mar 7–31	Apr 1–25	Jan 17–Feb 10	Set out plants
Mint	Feb 14–Mar 7	Mar 8–28	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 10–Feb 7	Set out plants
Papalo	Apr 1–15	Apr 16–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Sep 22–Feb 9	Feb 10–Apr 4, Jun 28–Sep 21	Jul 21–Dec 8	Set out plants
Rosemary	Mar 7–31	Apr 1–25	Dec 20–Jan 13	Set out plants
Sage	Feb 21–Mar 21	Mar 22–Apr 18	Jan 3–31	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Mar 7–14	Mar 15–Aug 29	Jan 31–Feb 7	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Feb 7–Mar 7	Mar 8–Apr 4	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	Apr 19–May 6	Apr 1–18, May 7–20	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Feb 28–Mar 14	Mar 15–May 10	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Feb 28–Mar 19	Mar 20–Apr 8	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 3–31	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	Apr 4–May 2	Mar 7–Apr 3	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 10–Feb 7	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 31–Mar 3	Jan 24–30, Mar 4–28	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Jan 24–Mar 3	Jan 3–23, Mar 4–21	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Apr 1–15, Jul 18–Aug 7	Apr 16–Jul 17	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Mar 7–21	Mar 22–Aug 22	Jan 31–Feb 14	Set out plants
Fig	Feb 7–Mar 7	Mar 8–Apr 18	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Mar 7–21	Mar 22–Aug 27	Jan 17–31	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Feb 19–Mar 12	Feb 7–18, Mar 13–21	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Apr 1–15, Jul 15–Aug 5	Apr 16–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Apr 15–May 10, Jul 2–Sep 10	Mar 7–Apr 14, May 11–Jul 1, Sep 11–16	Feb 4–Mar 1, Apr 23–Jul 2	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Oct 17–Jan 16	Jan 17–Mar 9, Sep 8–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Mar 6–Apr 3, Jun 23–Aug 19	Feb 28–Mar 5, Apr 4–Jun 22	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Oct 11–Feb 4	Feb 5–Apr 3, Aug 14–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Oct 17–Jan 16	Jan 17–Mar 9, Sep 8–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Apr 20–27, Jul 20–Aug 10	Apr 28–Jul 19	Mar 2–9, Jun 1–22	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	May 31–Aug 14	Mar 7–May 30, Aug 15–17	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Sep 24–Jan 29	Jan 30–Mar 13, Jul 2–Sep 23	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Jun 10–Aug 13	Apr 1–Jun 9, Aug 14–27	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	May 31–Aug 7	Apr 1–May 30, Aug 8–27	Apr 12–Jun 19	Set out plants
Larkspur	Oct 17–Dec 29	Sep 16–Oct 16, Dec 30–Feb 10	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Apr 14–May 10, Jul 3–Sep 8	Mar 7–Apr 13, May 11–Jul 2, Sep 9–11	Feb 24–Mar 22, May 15–Jul 21	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Jan 24–Feb 21	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Feb 28–Mar 22	Mar 23–Apr 4, Aug 14–Sep 16	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Oct 28–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 13, Sep 23–Oct 27	Aug 12–Nov 5	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	May 29–Jun 14, Jun 23–Aug 19	Apr 20–May 28, Jun 15–22, Aug 20–Sep 15	Mar 27–Apr 12, Apr 21–Jun 17	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Feb 28–Mar 28	Mar 29–Apr 25	Dec 13–Jan 10	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Oct 17–Dec 29	Sep 16–Oct 16, Dec 30–Feb 9	Aug 15–Oct 27	Set out plants
Statice	Feb 28–Mar 14, Aug 18–Sep 8	Mar 15–Apr 15, Jul 12–Aug 17	Jun 16–Jul 7, Dec 27–Jan 10	Set out plants
Stock	Jan 12–Feb 1, Oct 16–Dec 24	Feb 2–Mar 15, Sep 16–Oct 15, Dec 25–Jan 11	Aug 14–Oct 22, Nov 10–30	Set out plants
Strawflower	Feb 28–Mar 14, Aug 26–Sep 15	Mar 15–Apr 20, Jul 18–Aug 25	Jan 10–24, Jul 8–28	Set out plants
Sunflower	Jun 4–Aug 12	Mar 7–Jun 3	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Oct 12–Feb 5	Feb 6–Apr 4, Aug 14–Oct 11	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Oct 18–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 17, Sep 16–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Jun 10–Aug 16	Apr 1–Jun 9, Aug 17–29	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Baton Rouge

These need a climate Baton Rouge doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 40°F.
Endive & escarole: The frost-free season (about 271 days) is shorter than the 85 days it needs.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 40°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 40°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 40°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 40°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 40°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Lafayette, LA 52 mi · last frost around Feb 13
New Orleans, LA 75 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Lake Charles, LA 121 mi · last frost around Feb 14
Gulfport, MS 125 mi · last frost around Feb 18
Hattiesburg, MS 128 mi · last frost around Mar 8
All Louisiana cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Lsu Ben-Hur Farm station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).