Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Tomatoes in Louisiana

America's favorite garden vegetable (technically a fruit). Nothing beats a sun-warmed tomato straight off the vine.

The Short Answer

In Louisiana, tomatoes planting dates vary by region. In Northern Louisiana, your average last frost is around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana sees its last frost around Feb 1 - Feb 20. Since tomatoes are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas.

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

Tomatoes 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
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 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
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Tomatoes in Louisiana

Tomatoes in Louisiana's Climate

Your long growing season gives tomatoes plenty of time, but extreme summer heat above 95°F can cause blossom drop and pause fruit set during the hottest weeks. In the Deep South and Texas, many growers aim for two tomato seasons — spring (transplant early) and fall (start new plants in July). Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Heat Wave, Solar Fire, and Phoenix. Afternoon shade from taller plants can help during the most brutal July-August heat.

Soil Considerations for Louisiana

Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting tomatoes outside.

Louisiana Climate & Growing Season

Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible. Tomatoes cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

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 tomatoes — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

Growing Tips

Pinch off suckers for indeterminate varieties. Stake or cage for best results. Water at the base, not overhead, to prevent blight.

Companion Planting

Plant tomatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Basil Carrots Peppers Marigolds

Keep tomatoes away from:

Brassicas Fennel Dill

The Bottom Line

Tomatoes 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

Tomatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Louisiana Planting Calendar All plants for Louisiana Tomatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Tomatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Tomatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Tomatoes 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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