When to Plant Pumpkins in Louisiana
In a typical Louisiana location, sow 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.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Pumpkins Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Baton Rouge | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Shreveport | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Metairie | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Lafayette | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Lake Charles | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Bossier City | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Kenner | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Monroe | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Alexandria | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Houma | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Marrero | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| New Iberia | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Laplace | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Central | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Slidell | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Prairieville | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Terrytown | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Ruston | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Hammond | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvey | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Sulphur | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Bayou Cane | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Shenandoah | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Natchitoches | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Gretna | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Chalmette | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Opelousas | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Zachary | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Estelle | Feb 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 pumpkins in Louisiana?
In a typical Louisiana location, sow 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 pumpkins take to grow?
Pumpkins typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Other Crops in Louisiana
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant pumpkins in other states