Nogales, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Nogales is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 20 and the first fall frost around November 17, for a growing season of about 239 days.
Planting calendar for Nogales
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 20) 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 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 17).
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 24 | Mar 20 | Apr 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 3 | Nov 17 | Oct 30 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 30. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Nogales
- 85621 zone 8b
- 85628 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Rio Rico zone 8b, last frost Apr 16
- Green Valley zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Sahuarita zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Sierra Vista zone 8b, last frost Apr 5
- Sierra Vista Southeast zone 8b, last frost Apr 5
- Vail zone 9a, last frost Jan 26
- Drexel Heights zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Tucson Estates zone 9b, last frost Feb 8
Questions
What growing zone is Nogales, AZ?
Nogales 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 Nogales?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Nogales is March 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Nogales?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 27 – Apr 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Nogales Intl Ap, AZ (USW00003196), 12.3 km (7.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 1198 m, based on 21 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.