What to plant in February in Louisiana

Last chance in February

Basil (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Feb 5) · Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Feb 12) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 12) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Feb 12) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Feb 12) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Feb 15) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Feb 19)

Sow or plant outdoors in February (72)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in February, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

Start seeds indoors in February (26)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

Harvesting in February

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

Planting dates for popular crops in Louisiana

Every crop has its own full-year dates for Louisiana: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

Last-frost month: February garden jobs in Louisiana

1. The average last frost is March 5. Hardy crops can go out now - mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
2. Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
3. Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
4. Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Louisiana average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for Louisiana

Louisiana spans USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.

Questions gardeners ask