Opelousas, LA planting zone & frost dates
Opelousas is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 28 and the first fall frost around November 23, for a growing season of about 267 days.
Planting calendar for Opelousas
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 28) 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: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 28 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 23).
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 31 | Feb 28 | Mar 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 5 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Opelousas
- 70570 zone 9a
- 70571 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Lafayette zone 9a, last frost Feb 13
- Eunice zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
- Broussard zone 9a, last frost Feb 13
- Crowley zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Youngsville zone 9a, last frost Feb 19
- Abbeville zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
- New Iberia zone 9b, last frost Feb 10
- Jennings zone 9a, last frost Feb 19
Questions
What growing zone is Opelousas, LA?
Opelousas is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Opelousas?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Opelousas is February 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in Opelousas?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 7 – Mar 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Grand Coteau, LA (USC00163800), 13.3 km (8.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 17 m, based on 28 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.