Best Herbs to Grow in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA Zones 8–10, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 103 herb varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
103
for Louisiana
USDA
Zones 8–10
240–320 days season
Beginner
89
easy to grow
Heirloom
84
heritage varieties
Louisiana in USDA Zones 8–10
Louisiana spans Zones 8–10. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Herbs in Louisiana
Zone 9 gardeners enjoy one of the longest herb-growing seasons in the continental US, with nearly 290 frost-free days stretching from mid-February through November. This extended season is both a blessing and a challenge – while you can harvest fresh herbs almost year-round, the intense summer heat and humidity can stress many varieties. The key is choosing heat-tolerant herbs and understanding which ones will bolt quickly in your climate versus those that thrive in the warmth.
When selecting herbs for Zone 9, prioritize varieties known for heat tolerance and slow bolting. Mediterranean herbs like Greek Oregano, Common Thyme, and English Lavender absolutely love your climate, often performing better here than in cooler zones. Basil varieties are particularly well-suited to Zone 9's warm temperatures – just be prepared to succession plant cool-season herbs like Cilantro and Dill every few weeks during spring and fall to ensure continuous harvests before they bolt in the heat.
The varieties we've selected specifically excel in Zone 9's unique conditions. Heat-loving herbs like French Tarragon and Garden Sage will establish strong root systems during your mild winters, while multiple basil varieties give you options from early spring through late fall. Smart variety selection and strategic planting times will keep your herb garden productive when other zones are dealing with winter dormancy.
Zone 9 Herbs for Louisiana★ Most of LA
84 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Herbs for Louisiana
88 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Herbs for Louisiana
81 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 9 Growing Tips for Louisiana
Start your herb garden early in Zone 9 – you can direct sow hardy herbs like Flat-Leaf Parsley, Common Chives, and Cilantro as early as late January, well before your average last frost date of February 15th. For tender herbs like basil varieties, wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F, typically by early March. This gives them time to establish before summer heat arrives, but protects them from any surprise late cold snaps.
Succession planting is crucial for Zone 9 herb gardeners, especially with cool-season varieties. Plant Cilantro, both Gourmet Gold and Fernleaf Dill, and parsley varieties every 2-3 weeks from February through April, then again starting in late September. These will bolt quickly once temperatures consistently hit the 80s, so staggered plantings ensure you're never without fresh herbs. For continuous basil harvests, plant new seeds every 4-6 weeks from March through August.
Your biggest challenge will be managing summer heat stress from June through August. Provide afternoon shade for cool-season herbs you're trying to extend, and ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging. Many herbs benefit from morning sun and afternoon protection during peak summer. Consider container growing for herbs like Chocolate Mint and Lemon Balm, which can become invasive in your favorable climate.