Drexel Heights, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Drexel Heights is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 5 and the first fall frost around December 9, for a growing season of about 307 days.
Planting calendar for Drexel Heights
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 5) 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 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 9).
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 4 | Feb 5 | Mar 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 3 | Dec 9 | Nov 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 11.
Nearby cities
- Tucson Estates zone 9b, last frost Feb 8
- Tucson zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
- Flowing Wells zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Casas Adobes zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
- Catalina Foothills zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Sahuarita zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Oro Valley zone 9a, last frost Apr 2
- Green Valley zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
Questions
What growing zone is Drexel Heights, AZ?
Drexel Heights 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 Drexel Heights?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Drexel Heights is February 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Drexel Heights?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 12 – Feb 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Tucson Intl Ap, AZ (USW00023160), 7.0 km (4.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 777 m, based on 29 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.