Live Oak, TX planting zone & frost dates
Live Oak is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 21 and the first fall frost around December 5, for a growing season of about 289 days.
Planting calendar for Live Oak
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 21) 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 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 5).
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 | Jan 10 | Feb 21 | Mar 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 1 | Dec 5 | Nov 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 26.
Nearby cities
- Universal City zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Converse zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Schertz zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Cibolo zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Timberwood Park zone 8b, last frost Feb 26
- San Antonio zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- New Braunfels zone 9a, last frost Mar 8
- Canyon Lake zone 9a, last frost Mar 1
Questions
What growing zone is Live Oak, TX?
Live Oak is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Live Oak?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Live Oak is February 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Live Oak?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 28 – Mar 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Randolph Afb, TX (USW00012911), 6.5 km (4.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 232 m, based on 2 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.