Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Louisiana

Cheerful golden blooms that attract butterflies and tolerate drought. A backbone of the low-maintenance perennial garden.

The Short Answer

In Louisiana, plant black-eyed susans based on your regional frost dates. Northern Louisiana has a last frost around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 20. Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible.

Louisiana Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Louisiana you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Louisiana 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Louisiana 9a, 9b Feb 1 - Feb 20 Dec 1 - Dec 20

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Louisiana

Northern Louisiana (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Southern Louisiana (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 20 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Louisiana

Black-Eyed Susans in Louisiana's Climate

Native and perfectly adapted to warm climates. Drought-tolerant once established — ideal for water-wise landscaping. Self-seeds freely. Essential for pollinator gardens and naturalized meadow plantings.

Soil Considerations for Louisiana

Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas.

Louisiana Climate & Growing Season

Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible. Black-Eyed Susans can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Louisiana's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Louisiana: Northern Louisiana (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana (9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 20. This difference matters for black-eyed susans — but black-eyed susans handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds and visual interest. Self-seeds freely — deadhead if you don't want more.

Companion Planting

Plant black-eyed susans alongside these companions for better growth:

Coneflowers Ornamental Grasses

The Bottom Line

Black-Eyed Susans can be grown successfully across Louisiana, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Louisiana gardeners should plan around a Mar 1 - Mar 15 last frost, while those in Southern Louisiana can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Black-Eyed Susans Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Louisiana Planting Calendar All plants for Louisiana Black-Eyed Susans in Alabama Alabama planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Alaska Alaska planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Arizona Arizona planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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