New Iberia, LA planting zone & frost dates
New Iberia is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 10 and the first fall frost around December 11, for a growing season of about 305 days.
Planting calendar for New Iberia
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 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 11).
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 11 | Feb 10 | Mar 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 11 | Dec 11 | Nov 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 29.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in New Iberia
- 70560 zone 9b
- 70562 zone 9b
- 70563 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Youngsville zone 9a, last frost Feb 19
- Broussard zone 9a, last frost Feb 13
- Lafayette zone 9a, last frost Feb 13
- Abbeville zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
- Opelousas zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Crowley zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Morgan City zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Gardere zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
Questions
What growing zone is New Iberia, LA?
New Iberia is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9a.
When is the last frost in New Iberia?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in New Iberia is February 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in New Iberia?
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 New Iberia Acadiana Ap, LA (USC00166657), 7.3 km (4.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 7 m, based on 14 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.