Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 71414 — Clarence, LA

ZIP code 71414 (Clarence, Natchitoches County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost November 17.

Where ZIP 71414 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone9a20 to 25 °F

Coldest night−6.7 to −3.9 °C

Last frostMar 5

First frostNov 17

2012 zone8b

Was 8b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 9a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Clarence, LA…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Clarence, LA

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 5median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 23only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 17median — 10% chance by Nov 3

Growing season257 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 20 and returns around December 1.

From the NOAA station Natchitoches #2, LA — 4 miles away, elevation 141 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 71414

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 22 – Feb 5

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 22 – Feb 12

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 25 – Jan 8

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 12 – Feb 26

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 5 – Feb 19

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 12 – Feb 26

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 5 – Feb 19

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 12 – Feb 26

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 8 – Jan 22

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 25 – Jan 8

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 19 – Apr 2

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 22 – Oct 6

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 3 – Dec 8

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 5) and first fall frost (Nov 17) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 71414 came on Jan 31 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31).

average
Jan 312026
Jan 31

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 9a in Louisiana

517 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Louisiana, and rated by the USDA to survive 20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Clarence, LA.

Soil in Clarence, LA

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 71414 is Gallion — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH6.5neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Gallion silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 71414; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Clarence, LA

Summer high93 °Faverage high, July

Winter low38 °Faverage low, January

Hot days98days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights26nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,487base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 14 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 04 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation55.2 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Natchitoches #2, LA (4 mi away); precipitation: Natchitoches #2, LA (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

3 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

714719a

Saint Maurice, LA · 6 mi

714589a

Natchitoches, LA · 6 mi

714118b

Campti, LA · 7 mi

714979a

Natchitoches, LA · 7 mi

714579a

Natchitoches, LA · 7 mi

710668b

Powhatan, LA · 11 mi

714549a

Montgomery, LA · 13 mi

710318b

Goldonna, LA · 15 mi

Louisiana planting zones →

Questions about 71414

What planting zone is ZIP code 71414?

ZIP code 71414 (Clarence, LA) is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 20 to 25 °F (−6.7 to −3.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Clarence, LA?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 71414 is March 5; after March 23 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Natchitoches #2 station.

When is the first frost in Clarence, LA?

The median first fall frost near 71414 is November 17, giving a median frost-free growing season of 257 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 71414?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 8 – Jan 22 and set transplants outside around Mar 12 – Mar 26, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 71414 get?

About 55.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Natchitoches #2 station).

How hot do summers get in Clarence, LA?

The average high peaks at 93 °F in July, with about 98 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 71414 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Gallion at the center of ZIP 71414: silt loam, well drained, pH about 6.5 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Clarence, LA in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 71414 came on Jan 31 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Clarence, LA?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 71414 is 14 h 14 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 71414 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 71414 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.