What hardiness zone is New Orleans?

New Orleans sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b, based on an average annual extreme low near 29°F (-1°C). See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/new-orleans/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

When is the last frost in New Orleans?

On average the last spring frost in New Orleans falls around January 28 and the first fall frost around December 24, giving roughly 330 frost-free days. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/new-orleans/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What can I grow in New Orleans?

New Orleans's climate suits 214+ plants including Acorn Squash, Alfalfa, Amaranth Greens, Anaheim, Anise Hyssop, Artichoke, Arugula, Austrian Winter Pea. Vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers all do well in USDA zone 9b. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/new-orleans/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What is easy to grow for beginners in New Orleans?

Good beginner crops for New Orleans include Arugula, Austrian Winter Pea, Beet, Blanket Flower, Bok Choy, Borage — hardy, quick to mature, and sown straight into the ground. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/new-orleans/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What to grow in New Orleans

A local planting guide for Louisiana, United States — USDA zone 9b, average frost dates, and the vegetables, herbs and flowers that thrive here.

New Orleans climate at a glance

Decoded from long-run climate normals for New Orleans's location. Use it as a starting point — your own garden's aspect, walls and soil shift these by a week or two.

USDA hardiness zone

Zone 9b

Average winter low

9°C (48°F)

Average summer high

31°C (88°F)

Last spring frost

January 28 (avg)

First fall frost

December 24 (avg)

Frost-free growing season

~330 days

Annual rainfall

1875 mm/yr (74 in)

Hot days (≥30°C) per year

~78 days

Best plants for New Orleans

214 plants in the library suit USDA zone 9b. Tap any one for its sowing calendar, spacing and companions.

Easy starter picks for New Orleans

New to growing? These are forgiving, fast, and can go straight into the ground — a good first season in USDA zone 9b.

Arugula Austrian Winter Pea Beet Blanket Flower Bok Choy Borage Broccoli Raab Calendula Carrot Catnip

Plan your New Orleans garden →

What to grow in New Orleans

New Orleans climate at a glance

Best plants for New Orleans

Vegetables 126

Herbs 37

Fruit & Berries 12

Flowers 20

Natives 10

Cover Crops 8

Easy starter picks for New Orleans