FrostCal

When to Plant Peppers in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 11. 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 60–90 days

Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Peppers Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
New OrleansNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
Baton RougeDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
ShreveportDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
MetairieNov 15 – Nov 29Jan 31 – Feb 14
LafayetteDec 5 – Dec 19Feb 20 – Mar 6
Lake CharlesDec 6 – Dec 20Feb 21 – Mar 7
Bossier CityDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
KennerNov 21 – Dec 5Feb 6 – Feb 20
MonroeDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
AlexandriaDec 19 – Jan 2Mar 6 – Mar 20
HoumaNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 12 – Feb 26
MarreroNov 15 – Nov 29Jan 31 – Feb 14
New IberiaDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 17 – Mar 3
LaplaceDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 16 – Mar 2
CentralDec 17 – Dec 31Mar 4 – Mar 18
SlidellDec 16 – Dec 30Mar 3 – Mar 17
PrairievilleDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 16 – Mar 2
TerrytownNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
RustonDec 31 – Jan 14Mar 18 – Apr 1
HammondDec 28 – Jan 11Mar 15 – Mar 29
HarveyNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
SulphurDec 22 – Jan 5Mar 9 – Mar 23
Bayou CaneNov 27 – Dec 11Feb 12 – Feb 26
ShenandoahDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
NatchitochesDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
GretnaNov 23 – Dec 7Feb 8 – Feb 22
ChalmetteDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 17 – Mar 3
OpelousasDec 20 – Jan 3Mar 7 – Mar 21
ZacharyDec 17 – Dec 31Mar 4 – Mar 18
EstelleDec 2 – Dec 16Feb 17 – 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 peppers in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, start seeds indoors Dec 10 – Dec 24, then transplant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 11. 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 peppers take to grow?

Peppers typically take 60–90 days from planting to harvest. Slow to germinate; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only once nights stay above 55F, 1-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in Louisiana

When to plant peppers in other states

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