Planting calendar for Lake Charles, Louisiana

Dates from 30 years of records at the Lake Charles weather station, 6.1 miles from Lake Charles, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Lake Charles at a glance

Weather station: Lake Charles · 6.1 mi
USDA zone: 9a
Last spring frost: typically Feb 14; 1 year in 10 after Mar 11
First fall frost: typically Dec 7; 1 year in 10 before Nov 14
Frost-free season: about 296 days
Hottest month: August: highs 93°F, nights 75°F
Coldest month: January: highs 63°F, nights 43°F
Rain: 60 in. a year, most in January, June and August

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Lake Charles typically comes around Feb 14, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Mar 11. The first fall frost typically arrives around Dec 7. That leaves about 296 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Summer nights average 76°F in July. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Feb 21–Mar 7, Aug 10–30, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Lake Charles gets about 60 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.

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 Lake Charles, month by month

January48

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), 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, Mache (corn salad), 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 (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

February70

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Artichoke, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bok choy / pak choi, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radicchio, 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, Dill, 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, Celeriac (celery root), 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, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

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

March50

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pumpkin, Purslane, Summer squash & zucchini, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

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

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon

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

Can also plant

Arugula, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Cauliflower, 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, New Zealand spinach, Pea (shelling / English), Popcorn, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Watercress, Catnip, Chamomile, Cilantro, Cuban oregano, Dill, Feverfew, Lemon balm, Mint, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Stevia, Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Blackberry, Fig, Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

April24

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, Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), 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 (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Anise hyssop, Basil, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lemon verbena, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano, Papalo, Rosemary, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), 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 corn, Sweet potato, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, 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, 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, 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)

July15

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Celery, Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

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 (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, 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, 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, Watermelon, Celosia

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, Annual salvia, Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

August34

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, 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), Collard greens, Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

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

September25

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, 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

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, Fenugreek (methi), 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: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, 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

Daikon radish, 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 Lake Charles

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

Herbs

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

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 14–Feb 14	Jan 10–13, Feb 15–Mar 14	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Jan 11–Feb 12	Feb 13–Mar 7, Dec 20–Jan 10	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Mar 16–30, Jul 29–Aug 18	May 31–Jul 28	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Feb 21–Mar 7	Mar 8–Sep 2	Jan 17–31	Set out plants
Fig	Jan 24–Feb 21	Feb 22–Apr 4	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Feb 21–Mar 7	Mar 8–May 12	Jan 3–17	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Feb 7–28	Jan 24–Feb 6, Mar 1–7	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Mar 16–29, Jul 26–Aug 16	May 7–Jul 25	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in Lake Charles

These need a climate Lake Charles 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 43°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 43°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 43°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 43°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 43°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 43°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Lafayette, LA 71 mi · last frost around Feb 13
Baton Rouge, LA 121 mi · last frost around Feb 28
Houston, TX 133 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Shreveport, LA 163 mi · last frost around Feb 28
New Orleans, LA 188 mi · frost only briefly in winter
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 Lake Charles 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).