FrostCal

When to Plant Marigolds in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Jan 7 – Jan 21, then transplant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Metairie and as late as Mar 24 in Minden.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
New OrleansDec 21 – Jan 4Feb 8 – Feb 15
Baton RougeJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
ShreveportJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
MetairieDec 13 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
LafayetteJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
Lake CharlesJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 21 – Feb 28
Bossier CityJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
KennerDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 6 – Feb 13
MonroeJan 25 – Feb 8Mar 15 – Mar 22
AlexandriaJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 6 – Mar 13
HoumaDec 25 – Jan 8Feb 12 – Feb 19
MarreroDec 13 – Dec 27Jan 31 – Feb 7
New IberiaDec 30 – Jan 13Feb 17 – Feb 24
LaplaceDec 29 – Jan 12Feb 16 – Feb 23
CentralJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 4 – Mar 11
SlidellJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 3 – Mar 10
PrairievilleDec 29 – Jan 12Feb 16 – Feb 23
TerrytownDec 21 – Jan 4Feb 8 – Feb 15
RustonJan 28 – Feb 11Mar 18 – Mar 25
HammondJan 25 – Feb 8Mar 15 – Mar 22
HarveyDec 21 – Jan 4Feb 8 – Feb 15
SulphurJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 9 – Mar 16
Bayou CaneDec 25 – Jan 8Feb 12 – Feb 19
ShenandoahJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
NatchitochesJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
GretnaDec 21 – Jan 4Feb 8 – Feb 15
ChalmetteDec 30 – Jan 13Feb 17 – Feb 24
OpelousasJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 7 – Mar 14
ZacharyJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 4 – Mar 11
EstelleDec 30 – Jan 13Feb 17 – Feb 24

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 marigolds in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Jan 7 – Jan 21, then transplant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Metairie and as late as Mar 24 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 marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Louisiana

When to plant marigolds in other states

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