New Braunfels, TX planting zone & frost dates
New Braunfels is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 8 and the first fall frost around November 18, for a growing season of about 253 days.
Planting calendar for New Braunfels
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 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: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 23 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 18).
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 | Feb 17 | Mar 8 | Apr 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 24.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in New Braunfels
- 78130 zone 9a
- 78131 zone 9a
- 78132 zone 9a
- 78135 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Cibolo zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Seguin zone 9a, last frost Mar 1
- Schertz zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Canyon Lake zone 9a, last frost Mar 1
- Universal City zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Live Oak zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- San Marcos zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Converse zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
Questions
What growing zone is New Braunfels, TX?
New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in New Braunfels is March 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in New Braunfels?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 15 – Mar 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station New Braunfels, TX (USC00416276), 6.1 km (3.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 220 m, based on 22 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.