Frost Dates for Houston, TX 77038
Houston has 97 ZIP codes. The Houston, TX frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 15 · First fall frost December 10 · 298 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 77038 has about 32,600 people, one of 97 ZIP codes in Houston.
Very long season: 298 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 14–March 18 (63 days). Fall frost risk spans November 10–January 22 (73 days).
Frost probability for 77038
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 15 | January 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 10 | December 10 | January 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at SUGAR LAND (39.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 298-day season in Houston
In Houston (298 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 11 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 256 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 1. | Aug 10 |
| Pepper | Jan 4 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 256 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 1. | Aug 15 |
| Lettuce | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 19 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 25–Feb 1 | 340 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 340 available after Jan 25. | Oct 8 |
| Cucumber | Jan 25 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Beans | — | Feb 22–Mar 8 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Dec 3. | Sep 20 |
| Peas | — | Dec 21–Mar 1 | 361 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 361 available after Dec 21. | Sep 29 |
| Zucchini | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Onion | Nov 23 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 333 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 333 available after Jan 18. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 21–Feb 8 | 375 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Nov 7; both mature before Dec 31. | Nov 7 |
| Kale | Dec 7 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 23 |
| Broccoli | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 333 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 333 available after Jan 18. | Sep 14 |
| Cabbage | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 347 available after Jan 18. | Oct 8 |
| Radish | — | Dec 21–Mar 15 | 361 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Nov 8; both mature before Dec 17. | Nov 8 |
| Beets | — | Dec 21–Mar 15 | 361 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 1–Feb 8 | 319 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 319 available after Feb 1. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 10 | 403 | overwinter: Plant Dec 10 to Dec 31; harvest the following summer. | Dec 31 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 11–Mar 8 | 354 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 11; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 18 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 270 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 270 available after Feb 22. | Aug 22 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 1 | 263 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 263 available after Mar 1. | Jul 28 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 4 | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 312 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 8. | Sep 19 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 21 | Feb 1–Feb 1 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 21–Mar 15 | 375 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Nov 7; both mature before Dec 31. | Nov 7 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 347 available after Jan 18. | Sep 8 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 263 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 263 available after Mar 1. | Jul 28 |
| Eggplant | Dec 28 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 256 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 1. | Aug 20 |
| Okra | Jan 18 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Basil | Jan 11 | Mar 8–Mar 8 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 8 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 18–Feb 8 | 333 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 14 |
| Parsley | Dec 7 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 298 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 22. | Sep 24 |
| Celery | Dec 7 | Feb 22–Mar 8 | 298 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 22. | Aug 5 |
| Scallions | Dec 7 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 18 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 28 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 361 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 23 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 18 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 312 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 8 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 19 |
| Collards | Dec 7 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 347 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 31. | Oct 18 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 256 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 1. | Aug 5 |
| Chives | Nov 23 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 312 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 22. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 21–Mar 15 | 361 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 9 |
| Oregano | Dec 7 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 312 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 22. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 23 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 298 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 22. | — |
| Sage | Dec 21 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 312 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 22. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 7 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 312 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 312 available after Feb 22. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 319 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 17. | Oct 14 |
| Cosmos | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Mar 1 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Lavender | Nov 23 | Feb 15–Mar 1 | 319 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 319 available after Feb 15. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 4 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 23 |
| Melons | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 256 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 1. | Aug 5 |
| Mint | — | Feb 15–Mar 1 | 319 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 319 available after Feb 15. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 22–Mar 8 | 277 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 277 available after Feb 22. | Sep 8 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 263 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 263 available after Mar 1. | Aug 7 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 15–Mar 1 | 284 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 284 available after Feb 15. | Sep 3 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 21 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 263 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 263 available after Feb 22. | Aug 15 |
| Watermelon | Feb 1 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | 263 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 263 available after Feb 22. | Aug 10 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 1 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Zinnias | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Mar 1 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
Month by month in Houston
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Calendula (Jan 4), Cauliflower (Jan 4), Marigolds (Jan 4), Pepper (Jan 4), Basil (Jan 11), Tomato (Jan 11), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 4), Cilantro (Jan 18), Turnip (Jan 18), Carrots (Jan 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 18), Cabbage (Jan 18), Collards (Jan 18), Kale (Jan 18), Lettuce (Jan 18), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 11). |
| February | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Feb 1), Cantaloupe (Feb 1), Melons (Feb 1), Pumpkin (Feb 1), Spaghetti Squash (Feb 1), Watermelon (Feb 1), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Feb 1), Sunflowers (Feb 15), Beans (Feb 22), Pole Beans (Feb 22). Transplant from: Calendula (Feb 1), Swiss Chard (Feb 1), Bok Choy (Feb 8), Cauliflower (Feb 8), Cosmos (Feb 15), Lavender (Feb 15), +15 more. Last frost around February 15. |
| March | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Mar 1), Cantaloupe (Mar 1), Cucumber (Mar 1), Eggplant (Mar 1), Melons (Mar 1), Pepper (Mar 1), +6 more. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 28), Pumpkin (Jul 28). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 5), Celery (Aug 5), Melons (Aug 5), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 7), Tomato (Aug 10), Watermelon (Aug 10), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 3), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 8), Pole Beans (Sep 8), Basil (Sep 13), Cosmos (Sep 13), Cucumber (Sep 13), +11 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 8), Carrots (Oct 8), Beets (Oct 9), Dill (Oct 9), Swiss Chard (Oct 9), Calendula (Oct 14), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 23), Lavender (Nov 23), Onion (Nov 23), Rosemary (Nov 23). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 7), Spinach (Nov 7), Radish (Nov 8). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 7), Collards (Dec 7), Kale (Dec 7), Oregano (Dec 7), Parsley (Dec 7), Scallions (Dec 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 10), Arugula (Dec 21), Beets (Dec 21), Dill (Dec 21), Peas (Dec 21), Radish (Dec 21), +1 more. First frost around December 10. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 31). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Houston, TX (ZIP 77038)?
The median last spring frost date for Houston, TX (ZIP code 77038) is around February 15. 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 January 14; one in ten it runs past March 18.
What is the first fall frost date in Houston, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Houston, TX is around December 10. 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 November 10 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Houston, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Houston is about 298 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 Houston (298 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 Houston, TX?
Houston, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 9b (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 Houston, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 11 and plant out Mar 1 in Houston. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Houston?
Two: plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 17.
When do I plant garlic in Houston?
Dec 10 to Dec 31; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Houston?
Yes: plant out Mar 1 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 10 for a fall crop.
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