When to plant basil in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA zones 8b–9b, so the right time to plant basil shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about February 5 in New Orleans to April 11 in Claiborne — below are local dates for 55 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9b | January 22 | January 5 | February 5 – February 12 |
| Baton Rouge | 9a | February 28 | November 26 | March 14 – March 21 |
| Shreveport | 8b | March 9 | November 18 | March 23 – March 30 |
| Metairie | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | February 13 – February 20 |
| Lafayette | 9a | February 26 | November 28 | March 12 – March 19 |
| Lake Charles | 9a | February 14 | December 7 | February 28 – March 7 |
| Kenner | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | February 13 – February 20 |
| Bossier City | 8b | February 28 | November 24 | March 14 – March 21 |
Basil in Louisiana: FAQ
When can I plant basil in Louisiana?
Across Louisiana, the time to transplant basil spans roughly February 5 in New Orleans to April 11 in Claiborne, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the basil planting date vary across Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana publishes 55 cities with their own frost dates, so the right basil planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does basil take to grow in Louisiana?
Basil takes about 60–75 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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