Richardson, TX planting zone & frost dates
Richardson is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 7 and the first fall frost around November 21, for a growing season of about 259 days.
Planting calendar for Richardson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 7) 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 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 21).
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 | Feb 18 | Mar 7 | Mar 29 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 9 | Nov 21 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 29, 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 Richardson
- 75080 zone 8b
- 75081 zone 8b
- 75082 zone 8b
- 75083 zone 8b
- 75085 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Plano zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Garland zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Addison zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Murphy zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Sachse zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Carrollton zone 8b, last frost Mar 2
- Allen zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
- Farmers Branch zone 8b, last frost Mar 2
Questions
What growing zone is Richardson, TX?
Richardson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Richardson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Richardson is March 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 29.
When can I plant tomatoes in Richardson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 14 – Mar 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Richardson, TX (USC00417588), 5.5 km (3.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 207 m, based on 11 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.