Tucson Estates, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Tucson Estates is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 8 and the first fall frost around December 10, for a growing season of about 303 days.
Planting calendar for Tucson Estates
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 8) 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 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Transplant outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 10).
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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 6 | Feb 8 | Mar 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 3 | Dec 10 | Nov 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 8, 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 20.
Nearby cities
- Drexel Heights zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Flowing Wells zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Casas Adobes zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
- Tucson zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
- Catalina Foothills zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Oro Valley zone 9a, last frost Apr 2
- Sahuarita zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Marana zone 9b, last frost Feb 23
Questions
What growing zone is Tucson Estates, AZ?
Tucson Estates 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 Tucson Estates?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Tucson Estates is February 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Tucson Estates?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 15 – Feb 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Tucson 11 W, AZ (USW00053131), 9.4 km (5.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 833 m, based on 18 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.