Planting calendar for Lafayette, Louisiana

Dates from 30 years of records at the Lafayette Regional Airport weather station, 2.3 miles from Lafayette, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Lafayette at a glance

Weather station: Lafayette Regional Airport · 2.3 mi
USDA zone: 9a
Last spring frost: typically Feb 13; 1 year in 10 after Mar 10
First fall frost: typically Dec 4; 1 year in 10 before Nov 13
Frost-free season: about 294 days
Hottest month: August: highs 92°F, nights 75°F
Coldest month: January: highs 62°F, nights 44°F
Rain: 63 in. a year, most in June, July and August

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Lafayette typically comes around Feb 13, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Mar 10. The first fall frost typically arrives around Dec 4. That leaves about 294 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Summer nights average 75°F in July. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Feb 20–Mar 6, Aug 7–27, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Lafayette gets about 63 inches of rain a year, most of it in June, July and August. Crops that rot or get disease in hot, wet weather are timed to miss those months.

167 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 7 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 Lafayette, month by month

January49

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Green onion / scallion, 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), Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig

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

Can also plant

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

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

February66

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Artichoke, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bok choy / pak choi, Celery, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Swiss chard, 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, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

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

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

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Shallot, Spinach, Taro (dasheen), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Basil, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

March35

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Taro (dasheen), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Basil, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chives, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Papalo, Rosemary, Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Winter savory

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

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

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash, Catnip, Chamomile, Cilantro, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Feverfew, Lemon balm, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Stevia, Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Blackberry, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

April25

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Flowers: Annual salvia, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Cucumber (pickling), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Ginger, Jicama, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pigeon pea, Purslane, Radish, Roselle, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Anise hyssop, Basil, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chives, Epazote, Garlic chives, Lemon verbena, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano, Papalo, Rosemary, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Roselle, Sweet potato, Globe amaranth (gomphrena)

May9

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Lemongrass

Flowers: Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

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

June7

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pigeon pea, Sweet potato

Flowers: Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pumpkin, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

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

July17

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Celery, Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, 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 (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, 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, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Celosia, Statice

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Basil, Parsley, Annual salvia, Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

August35

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Basil

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, Bean (bush snap), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (early / short-season), Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

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

September25

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season)

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

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, 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, Salsify, Swiss chard, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Parsley, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

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

October46

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, 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), Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

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

Can also plant

Fava bean, Mache (corn salad), Radish, Spinach, Chervil, Pansy / viola, Stock

Start seeds indoors

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

December48

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, 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

Blueberry

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Cauliflower, Lettuce (romaine & head), Catnip, Feverfew, Lavender, Lovage, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice

Every crop that grows in Lafayette

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

Herbs

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

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 14–Feb 14	Jan 9–13, Feb 15–Mar 13	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Jan 11–Feb 12	Feb 13–Mar 6, Dec 19–Jan 10	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Mar 15–26, Jul 26–Aug 15	Jun 12–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Feb 20–Mar 6	Mar 7–Aug 30	Jan 16–30	Set out plants
Fig	Jan 23–Feb 20	Feb 21–Apr 3	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Feb 20–Mar 6	Mar 7–Sep 4	Jan 2–16	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Feb 5–26	Jan 23–Feb 4, Feb 27–Mar 6	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Mar 15–24, Jul 23–Aug 13	Jun 9–Jul 22	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in Lafayette

These need a climate Lafayette 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 44°F.
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 44°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 44°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 44°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 44°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 44°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Baton Rouge, LA 52 mi · last frost around Feb 28
Lake Charles, LA 71 mi · last frost around Feb 14
New Orleans, LA 118 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Gulfport, MS 175 mi · last frost around Feb 18
Hattiesburg, MS 179 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 Lafayette Regional Airport 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).