FrostCal

When to Plant Eggplant in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Mar 4 – Mar 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 7 in Metairie and as late as Mar 31 in Minden.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 65–85 days

Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.

Eggplant Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
New OrleansNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 15 – Feb 22
Baton RougeDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
ShreveportDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
MetairieNov 15 – Nov 29Feb 7 – Feb 14
LafayetteDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 27 – Mar 6
Lake CharlesDec 6 – Dec 20Feb 28 – Mar 7
Bossier CityDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
KennerNov 21 – Dec 5Feb 13 – Feb 20
MonroeDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 22 – Mar 29
AlexandriaDec 19 – Jan 2Mar 13 – Mar 20
HoumaNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 19 – Feb 26
MarreroNov 15 – Nov 29Feb 7 – Feb 14
New IberiaDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 24 – Mar 3
LaplaceDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 23 – Mar 2
CentralDec 17 – Dec 31Mar 11 – Mar 18
SlidellDec 16 – Dec 30Mar 10 – Mar 17
PrairievilleDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 23 – Mar 2
TerrytownNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 15 – Feb 22
RustonDec 31 – Jan 14Mar 25 – Apr 1
HammondDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 22 – Mar 29
HarveyNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 15 – Feb 22
SulphurDec 22 – Jan 5Mar 16 – Mar 23
Bayou CaneNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 19 – Feb 26
ShenandoahDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
NatchitochesDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
GretnaNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 15 – Feb 22
ChalmetteDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 24 – Mar 3
OpelousasDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 14 – Mar 21
ZacharyDec 17 – Dec 31Mar 11 – Mar 18
EstelleDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 24 – Mar 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant eggplant in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Mar 4 – Mar 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 7 in Metairie and as late as Mar 31 in Minden.

When is the last frost in Louisiana?

The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do eggplant take to grow?

Eggplant typically take 65–85 days from planting to harvest. Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.

Other Crops in Louisiana

When to plant eggplant in other states

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