Florence, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Florence is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 30 and the first fall frost around December 12, for a growing season of about 319 days.
Planting calendar for Florence
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 30) 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 5 – Dec 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 20 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 21 – Dec 5 Transplant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 19 – Jan 2 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 12).
Useful for zone 9a 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 | Dec 27 | Jan 30 | Feb 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 12 | Dec 12 | Nov 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 8.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Florence
- 85132 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Coolidge zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
- San Tan Valley zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Gold Camp zone 9b, last frost Jan 18
- Eloy zone 9a, last frost Feb 24
- Queen Creek zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Gold Canyon zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Arizona City zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Casa Grande zone 9a, last frost Feb 5
Questions
What growing zone is Florence, AZ?
Florence is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9b.
When is the last frost in Florence?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Florence is January 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Florence?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 6 – Feb 13. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Florence, AZ (USC00023027), 0.6 km (0.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 427 m, based on 13 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.