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When to Plant Soybeans in Louisiana

Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.

Louisiana spans USDA hardiness zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Soybeans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Soybeans Planting Calendar for Louisiana

Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 – Aug 2
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 22
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 10
Harvest May 12 May 12 – Jul 7
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 22
Harvest April 26 Apr 26 – Jun 21

Growing Tips for Louisiana

Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Soybeans in Louisiana?

Planting dates for Soybeans in Louisiana depend on your USDA zone. Louisiana spans zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Louisiana for planting?

Louisiana contains USDA hardiness zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.