Apache Junction, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Apache Junction is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 11 and the first fall frost around December 10, for a growing season of about 304 days.
Planting calendar for Apache Junction
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 11) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 10).
Useful for zone 9b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 5 | Feb 11 | Mar 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 1 | Dec 10 | Nov 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Apache Junction
- 85117 zone 9b
- 85119 zone 9b
- 85120 zone 9b
- 85178 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Gold Canyon zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Queen Creek zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- San Tan Valley zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Gilbert zone 9b, last frost Feb 13
- Fountain Hills zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
- Mesa zone 9b, last frost Feb 13
- Gold Camp zone 9b, last frost Jan 18
- Chandler zone 9b, last frost Feb 13
Questions
What growing zone is Apache Junction, AZ?
Apache Junction is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Apache Junction?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Apache Junction is February 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Apache Junction?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 18 – Feb 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Apache Junction 5 Ne, AZ (USC00020288), 8.2 km (5.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 631 m, based on 27 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.