Frost Dates for Baton Rouge, LA
In Baton Rouge, LA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 28 and the average first fall frost around Nov 26, for a growing season of about 272 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Lsu Ben-Hur Farm, LA weather station, 6 miles away, elevation 21 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 21 | Nov 6 |
| 20% | Mar 16 | Nov 11 |
| 30% | Mar 10 | Nov 15 |
| 40% | Mar 4 | Nov 21 |
| 50% | Feb 28 | Nov 26 |
| 60% | Feb 24 | Nov 30 |
| 70% | Feb 18 | Dec 4 |
| 80% | Feb 9 | Dec 10 |
| 90% | Jan 31 | Dec 22 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 16 | Nov 12 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 28 | Nov 26 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 7 | Dec 16 |
Planting calendar for Baton Rouge
Transplant Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Mar 7 – Mar 21
Sow or transplant Mar 7 – Mar 21
Sow or transplant Mar 7 – Mar 21
Sow or transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant Jan 31 – Feb 14
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 29
Fall sowing Oct 1 – Oct 22
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Sow or transplant Jan 31 – Feb 14
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 15
Transplant Feb 14 – Feb 28
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Transplant Feb 7 – Feb 21
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 17
Fall sowing Oct 15 – Nov 5
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 1
Plant Jan 31 – Feb 14
Based on the average last frost (Feb 28) and first frost (Nov 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.