Frost Dates for Edinburg, TX 78542
Last spring frost January 26 · First fall frost January 30 · 4 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 78542 has about 89,400 people, the largest of 4 ZIP codes in Edinburg.
Short season: 4 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 78542
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | February 17 | January 26 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 13 | January 30 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MCCOOK (13.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Edinburg, TX
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78542 | January 26 | January 30 | 10a |
| 78541 | January 26 | January 30 | 10a |
| 78539 | December 27 | January 22 | 10a |
| 78540 | January 26 | January 22 | 9b |
Which crops fit a 4-day season in Edinburg
In Edinburg (4 frost-free days, a short season), 7 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 need a faster variety, 41 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Dec 22 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Pepper | Dec 15 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 5 | 39 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 29, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Carrots | — | Jan 5–Jan 12 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Edinburg has 46 after Jan 5. | — |
| Cucumber | Jan 5 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Beans | — | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Peas | — | Dec 1–Feb 9 | 67 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 67 available after Dec 1. | — |
| Zucchini | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Onion | Nov 3 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 39 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Edinburg has 39 after Dec 29. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 1–Jan 19 | 81 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 81 available after Dec 1. | Dec 28 |
| Kale | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 29, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Broccoli | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 39 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Edinburg has 39 after Dec 29. | — |
| Cabbage | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 29, the outdoor season is about 17 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Radish | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 67 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 1 and again by Dec 29; both mature before Feb 6. | Dec 29 |
| Beets | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 67 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 67 available after Dec 1. | — |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 12–Jan 19 | 25 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 25 after Jan 12. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 30 | 109 | overwinter: Plant Jan 30 to Feb 20; harvest the following summer. | Feb 20 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 22–Feb 16 | 60 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 22; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Dec 29 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Cauliflower | Dec 15 | Jan 19–Feb 2 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Edinburg has 18 after Jan 19. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 1 | Jan 12–Jan 12 | 25 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Edinburg has 25 after Jan 12. | — |
| Arugula | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 81 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 81 available after Dec 1. | Dec 28 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 1 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Edinburg has 53 after Dec 29. | — |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 8 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Okra | Dec 29 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Basil | Dec 22 | Feb 16–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 16. | — |
| Cilantro | — | Dec 29–Jan 19 | 39 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 39 days. | — |
| Parsley | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Edinburg has 4 after Feb 2. | — |
| Celery | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Edinburg has 4 after Feb 2. | — |
| Scallions | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 29, the outdoor season is about 7 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Turnip | — | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 53 available after Dec 29. | — |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 15–Dec 29 | 67 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 67 available after Dec 15. | — |
| Bok Choy | Dec 29 | Jan 19–Jan 26 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 45 days; Edinburg has 18 after Jan 19. | — |
| Collards | Nov 17 | Dec 29–Jan 12 | 53 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 29, the outdoor season is about 7 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Chives | Nov 3 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 18 after Feb 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 67 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 67 available after Dec 1. | — |
| Oregano | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Edinburg has 18 after Feb 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 3 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Edinburg has 4 after Feb 2. | — |
| Sage | Dec 1 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Edinburg has 18 after Feb 2. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 17 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 18 after Feb 2. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 15 | Jan 12–Jan 26 | 25 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; Edinburg has 25 after Jan 12. | — |
| Cosmos | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Edinburg has 0 after Jan 26. | — |
| Lavender | Nov 3 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 25 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 25 after Jan 26. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 15 | Jan 26–Feb 2 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; Edinburg has 0 after Jan 26. | — |
| Melons | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Mint | — | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 25 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 25 after Jan 26. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 2 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Edinburg has 0 after Jan 26. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 2–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 65 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Edinburg has 0 after Jan 26. | — |
| Tomatillos | Dec 1 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Watermelon | Jan 12 | Feb 2–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 2. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 12 | Feb 9–Feb 16 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Edinburg has 0 after Feb 9. | — |
| Zinnias | Dec 29 | Jan 26–Feb 9 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Edinburg has 0 after Jan 26. | — |
Month by month in Edinburg
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jan 5), Butternut Squash (Jan 12), Cantaloupe (Jan 12), Melons (Jan 12), Pumpkin (Jan 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jan 12), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jan 5), Potatoes (Jan 12), Sunflowers (Jan 26), Garlic (Jan 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Jan 12), Swiss Chard (Jan 12), Bok Choy (Jan 19), Cauliflower (Jan 19), Cosmos (Jan 26), Lavender (Jan 26), +4 more. Last frost around January 26. First frost around January 30. |
| February | Direct sow from: Beans (Feb 2), Pole Beans (Feb 2). Transplant from: Celery (Feb 2), Chives (Feb 2), Corn (Feb 2), Okra (Feb 2), Oregano (Feb 2), Parsley (Feb 2), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 20). |
| March | Transplant warm-season crops outdoors. Sow beans, cucumbers, and squash. |
| April | Main warm-season planting window. Direct sow melons and sweet corn. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce. Keep beds irrigated as temperatures climb. |
| June | Monitor for heat stress. Harvest zucchini and cucumbers frequently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pests. |
| August | Start fall cool-season crops: broccoli, kale, beets, and carrots. |
| September | Plant fall lettuce, spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | Harvest mature crops. Direct sow cold-tolerant greens. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 3), Lavender (Nov 3), Onion (Nov 3), Rosemary (Nov 3), Celery (Nov 17), Collards (Nov 17), +5 more. |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 1), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 1), Cabbage (Dec 1), Lettuce (Dec 1), Sage (Dec 1), Swiss Chard (Dec 1), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 1), Beets (Dec 1), Dill (Dec 1), Peas (Dec 1), Radish (Dec 1), Spinach (Dec 1), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Dec 29), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 29), Cabbage (Dec 29), Collards (Dec 29), Kale (Dec 29), Lettuce (Dec 29), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 22). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Dec 28), Spinach (Dec 28), Radish (Dec 29). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Edinburg, TX (ZIP 78542)?
The median last spring frost date for Edinburg, TX (ZIP code 78542) is around January 26. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Edinburg, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Edinburg, TX is around January 30. 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 December 13 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Edinburg, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Edinburg is about 4 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 Edinburg (4 frost-free days, a short season), 7 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 need a faster variety, 41 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Edinburg, TX?
Edinburg, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (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 Edinburg, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 22 and plant out Feb 9 in Edinburg. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Edinburg?
One spring planting around Dec 29.
When do I plant garlic in Edinburg?
Jan 30 to Feb 20; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Edinburg?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Edinburg has 4 after Feb 2.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Edcouch (ZIP 78538) has 361 frost-free days, 357 more than Edinburg (ZIP 78542). See Edcouch ZIP 78538 frost dates
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