Waco, TX planting zone & frost dates
Waco is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 9 and the first fall frost around November 20, for a growing season of about 256 days.
Planting calendar for Waco
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 9) 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 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 20).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 17 | Mar 9 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 9 | Nov 20 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 4, 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 25.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Waco
- 76701 zone 8b
- 76702 zone 8b
- 76703 zone 8b
- 76704 zone 8b
- 76705 zone 8b
- 76706 zone 8b
- 76707 zone 8b
- 76708 zone 8b
- 76710 zone 8b
- 76711 zone 8b
- 76714 zone 8b
- 76715 zone 8b
- 76716 zone 8b
- 76797 zone 8b
- 76799 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Bellmead zone 8b, last frost Mar 9
- Robinson zone 8b, last frost Mar 9
- Hewitt zone 8b, last frost Mar 9
- Temple zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Belton zone 9a, last frost Mar 14
- Gatesville zone 8b, last frost Mar 19
- Harker Heights zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Killeen zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
Questions
What growing zone is Waco, TX?
Waco 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 Waco?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Waco is March 9. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Waco?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 16 – Mar 23. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Waco Dam, TX (USC00419417), 8.7 km (5.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 151 m, based on 20 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.