Vail, AZ planting zone & frost dates
Vail is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 26 and the first fall frost around December 16, for a growing season of about 326 days.
Planting calendar for Vail
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 26) 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 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 16).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 24 | Jan 26 | Feb 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 17 | Dec 16 | Nov 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Vail
- 85641 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Tanque Verde zone 9a, last frost Jan 26
- Sahuarita zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Tucson zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
- Catalina Foothills zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Drexel Heights zone 9b, last frost Feb 5
- Green Valley zone 9a, last frost Feb 25
- Flowing Wells zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- Casas Adobes zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
Questions
What growing zone is Vail, AZ?
Vail 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 Vail?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Vail is January 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in Vail?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 2 – Feb 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Saguaro Np, AZ (USC00027398), 14.8 km (9.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 939 m, based on 10 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.