Lake Charles, LA planting zone & frost dates
Lake Charles is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 14 and the first fall frost around December 7, for a growing season of about 299 days.
Planting calendar for Lake Charles
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 14) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 7).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 16 | Feb 14 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 7 | Dec 7 | Nov 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lake Charles
- 70601 zone 9a
- 70602 zone 9a
- 70605 zone 9b
- 70606 zone 9b
- 70607 zone 9b
- 70611 zone 9a
- 70612 zone 9a
- 70615 zone 9a
- 70616 zone 9a
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9b.
When is the last frost in Lake Charles?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lake Charles is February 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lake Charles?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 21 – Feb 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lake Charles, LA (USW00003937), 9.9 km (6.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 4 m, based on 30 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.