Estelle, LA planting zone & frost dates
Estelle is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 10 and the first fall frost around December 12, for a growing season of about 306 days.
Planting calendar for Estelle
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 10) 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 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 12).
Useful for zone 9b 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 9 | Feb 10 | Mar 10 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 12 | Dec 12 | Nov 20 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 10, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 20. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 27.
Nearby cities
- Woodmere zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Marrero zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- Harvey zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Timberlane zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Gretna zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Terrytown zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- New Orleans zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Belle Chasse zone 9b, last frost Feb 18
Questions
What growing zone is Estelle, LA?
Estelle is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Estelle?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Estelle is February 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Estelle?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 17 – Feb 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Marrero 9 Ssw, LA (USC00165926), 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 1 m, based on 22 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.