When to plant potato in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA zones 8b–9b, so the right time to plant potato shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about December 25 in New Orleans to February 28 in Claiborne — below are local dates for 55 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9b | January 22 | January 5 | December 25 – January 8 |
| Baton Rouge | 9a | February 28 | November 26 | January 31 – February 14 |
| Shreveport | 8b | March 9 | November 18 | February 9 – February 23 |
| Metairie | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | January 2 – January 16 |
| Lafayette | 9a | February 26 | November 28 | January 29 – February 12 |
| Lake Charles | 9a | February 14 | December 7 | January 17 – January 31 |
| Kenner | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | January 2 – January 16 |
| Bossier City | 8b | February 28 | November 24 | January 31 – February 14 |
Potato in Louisiana: FAQ
When can I plant potato in Louisiana?
Across Louisiana, the time to direct-sow potato spans roughly December 25 in New Orleans to February 28 in Claiborne, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the potato planting date vary across Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana publishes 55 cities with their own frost dates, so the right potato 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 potato take to grow in Louisiana?
Potato takes about 70–120 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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