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ZIP 70112 planting calendar

When to plant peppers in New Orleans, LA - Zone 9b

In ZIP 70112, plant peppers around Feb 24; this uses the New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Your New Orleans calendar has a 303-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and peppers timing rules.

Source: new-orleans-lakefront frost station, USDA zone 9b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 9b New Orleans frost station LSU AgCenter Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start peppers seeds indoors in New Orleans

In ZIP 70112, start peppers seeds indoors around Dec 16, about 56 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Start peppers seeds indoors in New Orleans around Dec 16, about 56 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Peppers dates for New Orleans, LA

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsDecember 16, 2025Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsFebruary 24, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in New Orleans?

New Orleans (ZIP 70112) has an average last spring frost around Feb 10.

First frost

When is the first frost in New Orleans?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 10, giving about 303 frost-free days.

Season map

Peppers windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start indoors
Dec 16
Transplant
Feb 24
Harvest
May 20
Frost watch
Sep 16

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start peppers indoorsDec 16
Last frost windowFeb 10
Transplant peppersFeb 24
First peppers harvest windowMay 20
Last peppers sowing targetSep 16
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateFebruary 10, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateDecember 10, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length303 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing18 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature65 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

New Orleans frost history and USDA zone 9b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

LSU AgCenter is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Peppers timing notes

Peppers stall in cold soil, so wait for warm nights. Peppers prefers full sun, 18 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 10. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 16.