Show Low, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Show Low is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 5 and the first fall frost around October 15, for a growing season of about 162 days.
Planting calendar for Show Low
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 5) 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: Mar 10 – Mar 24 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: May 19 – May 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 24 – Apr 7 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 20 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 15).
Useful for zone 7a 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 | Apr 21 | May 5 | May 20 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 28 | Oct 15 | Oct 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 20, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Show Low
- 85901 zone 7a
- 85902 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Payson zone 8b, last frost Apr 29
- Gold Camp zone 9b, last frost Jan 18
- Gold Canyon zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Apache Junction zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Fountain Hills zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
- Florence zone 9a, last frost Jan 30
- San Tan Valley zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Sedona zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Show Low, AZ?
Show Low is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Show Low?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Show Low is May 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 20.
When can I plant tomatoes in Show Low?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 12 – May 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Show Low Ap, AZ (USC00027855), 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 1954 m, based on 29 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.