Frost Dates for Dale, TX 78616
Last spring frost March 7 · First fall frost November 20 · 258 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 78616 has about 10,700 people.
Very long season: 258 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans February 11–March 30 (47 days). Fall frost risk spans October 30–December 11 (42 days).
Frost probability for 78616
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 30 | March 7 | February 11 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 30 | November 20 | December 11 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LULING (29.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 258-day season in Dale
In Dale (258 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Jan 31 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 216 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 21. | Jul 21 |
| Pepper | Jan 24 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 216 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 21. | Jul 26 |
| Lettuce | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 293 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 29 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 300 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 300 available after Feb 14. | Sep 18 |
| Cucumber | Feb 14 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Beans | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 13. | Aug 31 |
| Peas | — | Jan 10–Mar 21 | 321 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 321 available after Jan 10. | Sep 9 |
| Zucchini | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Onion | Dec 13 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 293 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 293 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Spinach | — | Jan 10–Feb 28 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 11. | Oct 18 |
| Kale | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Dec 11. | Oct 3 |
| Broccoli | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 293 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 293 available after Feb 7. | Aug 25 |
| Cabbage | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 7. | Sep 18 |
| Radish | — | Jan 10–Apr 4 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Oct 19 |
| Beets | — | Jan 10–Apr 4 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 279 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 279 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 20 | 363 | overwinter: Plant Nov 20 to Dec 11; harvest the following summer. | Dec 11 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 31–Mar 28 | 314 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 31; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Feb 7 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 230 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 14. | Aug 2 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 21 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 21. | Jul 8 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 272 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 272 available after Feb 28. | Aug 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Feb 21 | 279 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Arugula | — | Jan 10–Apr 4 | 335 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 11. | Oct 18 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 307 available after Feb 7. | Aug 19 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 223 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 21. | Jul 8 |
| Eggplant | Jan 17 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 216 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 21. | Jul 31 |
| Okra | Feb 7 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Basil | Jan 31 | Mar 28–Mar 28 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Feb 7–Feb 28 | 293 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 24 |
| Parsley | Dec 27 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 258 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 258 available after Mar 14. | Sep 4 |
| Celery | Dec 27 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 258 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 258 available after Mar 14. | Jul 16 |
| Scallions | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 11. | Sep 28 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 11. | Oct 8 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Dec 11. | Oct 3 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 7 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 272 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 29 |
| Collards | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 307 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 11. | Sep 28 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 216 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 21. | Jul 16 |
| Chives | Dec 13 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 272 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 272 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Dill | — | Jan 10–Apr 4 | 321 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Oregano | Dec 27 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 272 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 272 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Rosemary | Dec 13 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 258 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 258 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Sage | Jan 10 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 272 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 272 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 27 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 272 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 272 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 279 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 24 |
| Cosmos | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
| Lavender | Dec 13 | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 279 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 279 available after Mar 7. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 24 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 3 |
| Melons | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 216 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 21. | Jul 16 |
| Mint | — | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 279 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 279 available after Mar 7. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 237 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 14. | Aug 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 223 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 21. | Jul 18 |
| Sunflowers | — | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 244 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 244 available after Mar 7. | Aug 14 |
| Tomatillos | Jan 10 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 223 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 14. | Jul 26 |
| Watermelon | Feb 21 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 223 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 14. | Jul 21 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Zinnias | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 24 |
Month by month in Dale
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Broccoli (Jan 10), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 10), Cabbage (Jan 10), Lettuce (Jan 10), Sage (Jan 10), Swiss Chard (Jan 10), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Jan 10), Beets (Jan 10), Dill (Jan 10), Peas (Jan 10), Radish (Jan 10), Spinach (Jan 10), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 31). |
| February | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Feb 7), Corn (Feb 7), Cosmos (Feb 7), Nasturtiums (Feb 7), Okra (Feb 7), Zinnias (Feb 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Feb 7), Turnip (Feb 7), Carrots (Feb 14), Potatoes (Feb 21). Transplant from: Broccoli (Feb 7), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 7), Cabbage (Feb 7), Collards (Feb 7), Kale (Feb 7), Lettuce (Feb 7), +6 more. |
| March | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Mar 7), Beans (Mar 14), Pole Beans (Mar 14). Transplant from: Cosmos (Mar 7), Lavender (Mar 7), Marigolds (Mar 7), Mint (Mar 7), Nasturtiums (Mar 7), Zinnias (Mar 7), +23 more. Last frost around March 7. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 8), Pumpkin (Jul 8), Cantaloupe (Jul 16), Celery (Jul 16), Melons (Jul 16), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 18), +5 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Corn (Aug 2), Sunflowers (Aug 14), Brussel Sprouts (Aug 19), Pole Beans (Aug 19), Basil (Aug 24), Cosmos (Aug 24), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Sep 3), Parsley (Sep 4), Peas (Sep 9), Cabbage (Sep 18), Carrots (Sep 18), Beets (Sep 19), +8 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Kale (Oct 3), Kohlrabi (Oct 3), Turnip (Oct 8), Arugula (Oct 18), Spinach (Oct 18), Radish (Oct 19). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 20). First frost around November 20. |
| December | Start indoors: Chives (Dec 13), Lavender (Dec 13), Onion (Dec 13), Rosemary (Dec 13), Celery (Dec 27), Collards (Dec 27), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 11). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Dale, TX (ZIP 78616)?
The median last spring frost date for Dale, TX (ZIP code 78616) is around March 7. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before February 11; one in ten it runs past March 30.
What is the first fall frost date in Dale, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Dale, TX is around November 20. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 30 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Dale, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Dale is about 258 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Dale (258 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Dale, TX?
Dale, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 9a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Dale, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 31 and plant out Mar 21 in Dale. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Dale?
Two: plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 29; both mature before Nov 27.
When do I plant garlic in Dale?
Nov 20 to Dec 11; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Dale?
Yes: plant out Mar 21 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 21 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Del Valle (ZIP 78617) has 277 frost-free days, 19 more than Dale (ZIP 78616). See Del Valle ZIP 78617 frost dates
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