West Odessa, TX planting zone & frost dates
West Odessa is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 19 and the first fall frost around November 11, for a growing season of about 235 days.
Planting calendar for West Odessa
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 19) 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 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 11).
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
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 | Mar 1 | Mar 19 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 26 | Nov 11 | Oct 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 7.
Nearby cities
- Odessa zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Midland zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Andrews zone 8a, last frost Mar 18
- Big Spring zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
- Levelland zone 7b, last frost Apr 9
- Snyder zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Lubbock zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
- San Angelo zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
Questions
What growing zone is West Odessa, TX?
West Odessa 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 West Odessa?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in West Odessa is March 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in West Odessa?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 26 – Apr 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Odessa Schlemeyer Fld, TX (USW00003031), 13.7 km (8.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 915 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.