When to plant tulip bulbs in Louisiana

Fall planting in New Orleans

Dec 15–Jan 15

Across Louisiana the window opens between November 1 and December 15. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, New Orleans: Dec 15–Jan 15
Last frost, New Orleans: Jan 22

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Plant once the soil has cooled below 60°F. Bulbs need 12–14 weeks of cold to flower in spring. In the warmest parts of Louisiana, chill bulbs in the fridge for 8 to 10 weeks first and plant in late December.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

New OrleansDec 15–Jan 15

Baton RougeNov 12–Dec 15

ShreveportNov 4–Dec 9

MetairieDec 15–Jan 15

LafayetteNov 14–Dec 15

Lake CharlesDec 15–Jan 15

St. GeorgeNov 12–Dec 15

KennerDec 15–Jan 15

Bossier CityNov 10–Dec 15

MonroeNov 1–Dec 6

AlexandriaNov 13–Dec 15

PrairievilleDec 15–Jan 15

MarreroDec 15–Jan 15

HoumaDec 15–Jan 15

CentralNov 12–Dec 15

LaplaceDec 15–Jan 15

SlidellNov 17–Dec 15

New IberiaDec 15–Jan 15

TerrytownDec 15–Jan 15

HammondNov 5–Dec 10

ChalmetteDec 15–Jan 15

RustonNov 2–Dec 7

Bayou CaneDec 15–Jan 15

HarveyDec 15–Jan 15

ZacharyNov 12–Dec 15

SulphurDec 15–Jan 15

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Louisiana?

In New Orleans, fall planting from December 15 to January 15. Across Louisiana the window opens between November 1 and December 15, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.