Prescott, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Prescott is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 30 and the first fall frost around October 20, for a growing season of about 172 days.
Planting calendar for Prescott
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 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: Mar 5 – Mar 19 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 Transplant outdoors: May 7 – May 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 20).
Useful for zone 7b 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 14 | Apr 30 | May 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 4 | Oct 20 | Oct 7 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Prescott
- 86301 zone 7b
- 86302 zone 7b
- 86303 zone 7b
- 86304 zone 7b
- 86305 zone 7b
- 86313 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Prescott Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 20
- Chino Valley zone 8a, last frost Apr 27
- Verde Village zone 8b, last frost Mar 30
- Cottonwood zone 8b, last frost Mar 30
- Camp Verde zone 8a, last frost Apr 16
- New River zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- West Sedona zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
- Sedona zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Prescott, AZ?
Prescott is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Prescott?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Prescott is April 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Prescott?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 7 – May 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Prescott, AZ (USC00026796), 4.8 km (3.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 1586 m, based on 30 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.