When to Plant Potatoes in Louisiana
In a typical Louisiana location, sow 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.
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Baton Rouge | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Shreveport | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Metairie | Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Lafayette | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Lake Charles | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Bossier City | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Kenner | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Monroe | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Alexandria | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Houma | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Marrero | Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| New Iberia | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Laplace | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Central | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Slidell | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Prairieville | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Terrytown | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Ruston | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Hammond | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Harvey | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Sulphur | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Bayou Cane | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Shenandoah | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Natchitoches | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Gretna | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Chalmette | Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Opelousas | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Zachary | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Estelle | Jan 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 potatoes in Louisiana?
In a typical Louisiana location, sow 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 potatoes take to grow?
Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Other Crops in Louisiana
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant potatoes in other states