FrostCal

When to Plant Onions in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 in Minden.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 90–120 days

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (or use sets/transplants); set out 2-4 weeks before last frost, very cold-tolerant as seedlings.

Onions Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
New OrleansNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 4 – Jan 18
Baton RougeDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
ShreveportDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
MetairieNov 15 – Nov 29Dec 27 – Jan 10
LafayetteDec 5 – Dec 19Jan 16 – Jan 30
Lake CharlesDec 6 – Dec 20Jan 17 – Jan 31
Bossier CityDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
KennerNov 21 – Dec 5Jan 2 – Jan 16
MonroeDec 28 – Jan 11Feb 8 – Feb 22
AlexandriaDec 19 – Jan 2Jan 30 – Feb 13
HoumaNov 27 – Dec 11Jan 8 – Jan 22
MarreroNov 15 – Nov 29Dec 27 – Jan 10
New IberiaDec 2 – Dec 16Jan 13 – Jan 27
LaplaceDec 1 – Dec 15Jan 12 – Jan 26
CentralDec 17 – Dec 31Jan 28 – Feb 11
SlidellDec 16 – Dec 30Jan 27 – Feb 10
PrairievilleDec 1 – Dec 15Jan 12 – Jan 26
TerrytownNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 4 – Jan 18
RustonDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 11 – Feb 25
HammondDec 28 – Jan 11Feb 8 – Feb 22
HarveyNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 4 – Jan 18
SulphurDec 22 – Jan 5Feb 2 – Feb 16
Bayou CaneNov 27 – Dec 11Jan 8 – Jan 22
ShenandoahDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
NatchitochesDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
GretnaNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 4 – Jan 18
ChalmetteDec 2 – Dec 16Jan 13 – Jan 27
OpelousasDec 20 – Jan 3Jan 31 – Feb 14
ZacharyDec 17 – Dec 31Jan 28 – Feb 11
EstelleDec 2 – Dec 16Jan 13 – Jan 27

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 onions in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Jan 21 – Feb 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 27 in Metairie and as late as Feb 17 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 onions take to grow?

Onions typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (or use sets/transplants); set out 2-4 weeks before last frost, very cold-tolerant as seedlings.

Other Crops in Louisiana

When to plant onions in other states

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