Spring Planting

What’s Popular to Grow

Spring in Louisiana is a time of renewal, and for gardeners, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring color, life, and fresh produce into the landscape. The state's diverse climate, with its mild winters and hot, humid summers, creates unique gardening opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding enthusiast, here are some of the most popular plants to grow in Louisiana during the spring season.

Vegetables: Fresh Produce at Your Fingertips

Louisiana’s long growing season makes it ideal for planting a variety of vegetables that thrive in warm weather. In spring, gardeners typically start by planting:

Tomatoes: Louisiana is famous for its delicious, juicy tomatoes, and spring is the best time to get them started. Varieties like Creole and Beefsteak are favorites due to their heat tolerance and high yield. For the best results, plant them in full sun and make sure the soil is well-drained.
Peppers: Whether you like them mild or hot, peppers are a great option for spring planting in Louisiana. Bell peppers, jalapeños, and cayennes all thrive in the state's warm temperatures. Make sure to give them plenty of space to grow, as they tend to spread out.
Okra: This Southern staple loves the heat and humidity of Louisiana. Okra is easy to grow, making it perfect for beginners. Its tall, sturdy plants are great for attracting pollinators, too!
Cucumbers: Cucumbers grow rapidly in Louisiana’s spring weather, and they do well in both garden beds and containers. Planting them near a trellis allows the vines to climb, saving space in your garden while producing a bountiful harvest.
Beans: Spring is the perfect time to plant green beans, lima beans, and pole beans. These crops are fairly low-maintenance and provide abundant yields. Beans also help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them a great choice for companion planting.

Flowers: Add Vibrance to Your Garden

If you want to brighten up your landscape, spring is the time to plant a variety of colorful flowers. Many flowers thrive in Louisiana’s warm, humid climate, making the state a haven for flower lovers. Some popular spring flowers to plant include:

Azaleas: Known for their vibrant blooms, azaleas are a staple in Louisiana gardens. They thrive in the state’s mild spring temperatures and can fill your yard with rich colors ranging from pinks to purples to whites. They do best in partial shade, making them perfect for garden beds or shady areas.
Snapdragons: These cheerful flowers add vertical interest to gardens with their spiky blooms. Snapdragons come in a wide variety of colors, from red and pink to yellow and white. Plant them in full sun for the best results.
Daylilies: Known for their vibrant and easy-to-maintain flowers, daylilies are perfect for Louisiana gardens. They bloom in a wide array of colors, including orange, red, yellow, and purple. They also handle heat and humidity well, making them an ideal choice for the Southern landscape.
Sunflowers: If you’re looking for an iconic spring flower, sunflowers are a great option. These bold, sunny flowers grow tall and are known for attracting bees and other pollinators. They’re perfect for planting in a sunny spot and can even be used to create natural privacy screens.
Petunias: These cheerful, colorful flowers are a favorite for hanging baskets and window boxes. Petunias thrive in full sun and can be planted in both beds and containers, adding vibrant pops of color throughout the spring season.

Herbs: Fresh Flavors for Your Kitchen

Herbs are perfect for planting in Louisiana’s springtime, as they thrive in the warm temperatures and grow quickly. Plus, fresh herbs can elevate any dish. Some popular herbs to grow include:

Basil: A staple for many Southern dishes, basil grows wonderfully in Louisiana’s spring weather. It loves full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for raised beds or containers. It also pairs well with tomatoes, so you can plant it alongside your tomatoes for a beautiful (and tasty) garden duo.
Mint: Mint thrives in Louisiana’s humid climate and adds a refreshing, aromatic touch to drinks, desserts, and savory dishes. Just be sure to plant it in a container, as it tends to spread aggressively.
Cilantro: Cilantro is a perfect herb for spring in Louisiana. It grows quickly and adds fresh flavor to a variety of dishes, from salsas to salads. However, it does better in cooler temperatures, so make sure to plant it early in the season before the heat sets in.
Thyme: This hardy herb does well in Louisiana’s spring weather and can be used in countless dishes, from roasts to soups. It enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to incorporate into your garden or container plantings.

Trees and Shrubs: Long-Term Investment

If you’re looking for something more permanent, spring is a great time to plant trees and shrubs in Louisiana. These plants may take a bit longer to mature, but they provide long-term beauty and shade for your garden.

Crepe Myrtles: These vibrant trees are iconic in Louisiana gardens. They provide long-lasting blooms in summer and grow well in the state's hot, humid climate. Crepe myrtles are available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
Live Oaks: For a truly Southern look, plant a live oak. These majestic trees offer shade and beauty, making them a perfect long-term investment for your landscape. They’re well-suited to Louisiana’s climate and can withstand heavy rains and strong winds.
Magnolia Trees: The state flower of Louisiana, magnolia trees are a beautiful addition to any garden. With their large, fragrant white flowers and shiny green leaves, they add a touch of Southern charm to your landscape. Plant them in a sunny spot, and they will thrive for years to come.

Springtime in Louisiana offers a wealth of opportunities for gardeners. Whether you're looking to grow delicious vegetables, vibrant flowers, fragrant herbs, or beautiful trees, there’s something for every gardener in the Bayou State. With the right care and attention, your spring garden will flourish, bringing color and fresh produce into your life.

Happy Gardening!