Payson, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Payson is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 29 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 176 days.
Planting calendar for Payson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 29) 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: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 Transplant outdoors: May 6 – May 13 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 24).
Useful for zone 8b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 13 | Apr 29 | May 20 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 8 | Oct 24 | Oct 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 20, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 10.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Payson
- 85541 zone 8b
- 85547 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Camp Verde zone 8a, last frost Apr 16
- Fountain Hills zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
- Sedona zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
- West Sedona zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
- Verde Village zone 8b, last frost Mar 30
- Apache Junction zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Cottonwood zone 8b, last frost Mar 30
- Gold Canyon zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
Questions
What growing zone is Payson, AZ?
Payson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Payson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Payson is April 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 20.
When can I plant tomatoes in Payson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 6 – May 13. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Payson, AZ (USW00093139), 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 1478 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.