Marana, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Marana is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 23 and the first fall frost around December 6, for a growing season of about 287 days.
Planting calendar for Marana
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 23) 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 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 6).
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 15 | Feb 23 | Mar 22 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 25 | Dec 6 | Nov 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 22, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Marana
- 85653 zone 9b
- 85658 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Casas Adobes zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
- Flowing Wells zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Oro Valley zone 9a, last frost Apr 2
- Tucson Estates zone 9b, last frost Feb 8
- Catalina Foothills zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Saddlebrooke zone 9a, last frost Apr 2
- Drexel Heights zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Tucson zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
Questions
What growing zone is Marana, AZ?
Marana 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 Marana?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Marana is February 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 22.
When can I plant tomatoes in Marana?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 2 – Mar 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Tucson 17 Nw, AZ (USC00028795), 20.5 km (12.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 781 m, based on 23 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.