Santa Fe, TX planting zone & frost dates
Santa Fe is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 31 and the first fall frost around December 14, for a growing season of about 317 days.
Planting calendar for Santa Fe
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 31) 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 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 14).
Useful for zone 9b 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 25 | Jan 31 | Mar 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 19 | Dec 14 | Nov 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 17.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Santa Fe
- 77510 zone 9b
- 77517 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Dickinson zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- League City zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- La Marque zone 9b
- Alvin zone 9b, last frost Feb 14
- Webster zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Friendswood zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Seabrook zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Texas City zone 10a
Questions
What growing zone is Santa Fe, TX?
Santa Fe is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Santa Fe?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Santa Fe is January 31. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Santa Fe?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 7 – Feb 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Houston Nwso, TX (USC00414333), 10.6 km (6.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 27 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.