Frost dates for 70737 — Gonzales, LA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 10 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Gonzales compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gonzales fall between December 13 and February 9. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 16, or the last frost as late as March 10.
- Nearby Baton Rouge, LA, 31 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 25), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 12 |
| 50% (median) | February 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 10 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 16 |
| 50% (median) | December 13 |
| 90% (late) | January 11 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Gonzales, LA
Frost dates for 70737 — Gonzales, LA — last frost Feb 9, first frost Dec 13, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Gonzales, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 17 – Dec 1 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Jan 12 – Feb 16 | Oct 18 – Nov 15 |
| Kale | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Oct 4 – Oct 25 |
| Broccoli | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cabbage | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | — | Sep 6 – Sep 27 |
| Okra | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — |
| Basil | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 29 – Jan 19 | Sep 20 – Oct 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 29 – Jan 19 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 5 – Feb 16 | Nov 1 – Nov 22 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 12 – Jan 19 | Feb 23 – Mar 2 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 12 – Jan 19 | — | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 12 – Jan 19 | — | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 12 – Jan 19 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 26 – Feb 23 | Oct 4 – Oct 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 26 – Feb 16 | Oct 18 – Nov 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 9 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 29 – Jan 3 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Carville 2 Sw, LA weather station, 21 km away (elevation 26 ft (8 m)).
ZIP codes in Gonzales: 70707 70737
Frost dates near Gonzales
- Duplessis Feb 9 · Dec 13
- Brittany Feb 21 · Dec 5
- Prairieville Feb 9 · Dec 13
- Saint Amant Feb 21 · Dec 5
- Sorrento Feb 21 · Dec 5
- Geismar Feb 9 · Dec 13
- Burnside Feb 21 · Dec 5
- French Settlement Feb 21 · Dec 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gonzales, LA?
The median last spring frost in Gonzales, LA is February 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 10, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gonzales, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 16.
How long is the growing season in Gonzales, LA?
About 307 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gonzales, LA?
Gonzales, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.