Frost Dates for Mesa, AZ 85203
Mesa has 13 ZIP codes. The Mesa, AZ frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 14 · First fall frost November 29 · 288 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 85203 has about 38,000 people, one of 13 ZIP codes in Mesa.
Very long season: 288 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 85203
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 14 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | November 12 | November 29 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHANDLER HEIGHTS (29.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 288-day season in Mesa
In Mesa (288 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 10 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 246 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 28. | Jul 30 |
| Pepper | Jan 3 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 246 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 28. | Aug 4 |
| Lettuce | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 6. | Oct 8 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 330 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 330 available after Jan 24. | Sep 27 |
| Cucumber | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 260 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
| Beans | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 9 |
| Peas | — | Dec 20–Feb 28 | 351 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 351 available after Dec 20. | Sep 18 |
| Zucchini | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 260 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Onion | Nov 22 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 323 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 323 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 20–Feb 7 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Oct 27; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 27 |
| Kale | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 12 |
| Broccoli | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 323 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 323 available after Jan 17. | Sep 3 |
| Cabbage | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 17. | Sep 27 |
| Radish | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Dec 6. | Oct 28 |
| Beets | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 6. | Sep 28 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 309 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 309 available after Jan 31. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 29 | 393 | overwinter: Plant Nov 29 to Dec 20; harvest the following summer. | Dec 20 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 10–Mar 7 | 344 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 10; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 17 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 11 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Feb 28 | 253 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 28. | Jul 17 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 3 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 302 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 7. | Sep 8 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 20 | Jan 31–Jan 31 | 309 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 6. | Sep 28 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Oct 27; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 27 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 20 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 17. | Aug 28 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 253 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 28. | Jul 17 |
| Eggplant | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 246 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 28. | Aug 9 |
| Okra | Jan 17 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Basil | Jan 10 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 17–Feb 7 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Dec 6. | Oct 3 |
| Parsley | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 288 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 288 available after Feb 21. | Sep 13 |
| Celery | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 288 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 288 available after Feb 21. | Jul 25 |
| Scallions | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 7; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 7 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 17 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 3 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 12 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 17 | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 302 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 6. | Oct 8 |
| Collards | Dec 6 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 7; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 7 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 246 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 28. | Jul 25 |
| Chives | Nov 22 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 302 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 20–Mar 14 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 20 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 6. | Sep 28 |
| Oregano | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 302 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 22 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 288 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 288 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Sage | Dec 20 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 302 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 6 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 302 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 3 | Jan 31–Feb 14 | 309 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Dec 6. | Oct 3 |
| Cosmos | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
| Lavender | Nov 22 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 309 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 309 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 3 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 12 |
| Melons | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 246 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 246 available after Feb 28. | Jul 25 |
| Mint | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 309 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 309 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 267 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 21. | Aug 28 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 253 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 28. | Jul 27 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 274 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 274 available after Feb 14. | Aug 23 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 20 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 253 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 21. | Aug 4 |
| Watermelon | Jan 31 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 253 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 21. | Jul 30 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 31 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 260 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Zinnias | Jan 17 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
Month by month in Mesa
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Calendula (Jan 3), Cauliflower (Jan 3), Marigolds (Jan 3), Pepper (Jan 3), Basil (Jan 10), Tomato (Jan 10), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 3), Cilantro (Jan 17), Turnip (Jan 17), Carrots (Jan 24), Potatoes (Jan 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 17), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 17), Cabbage (Jan 17), Collards (Jan 17), Kale (Jan 17), Lettuce (Jan 17), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 10). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 14), Beans (Feb 21), Pole Beans (Feb 21). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Feb 7), Cauliflower (Feb 7), Cosmos (Feb 14), Lavender (Feb 14), Marigolds (Feb 14), Mint (Feb 14), +24 more. Last frost around February 14. |
| March | Transplant from: Basil (Mar 7). |
| 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 17), Pumpkin (Jul 17), Cantaloupe (Jul 25), Celery (Jul 25), Melons (Jul 25), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 27), +2 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Aug 4), Tomatillos (Aug 4), Eggplant (Aug 9), Corn (Aug 11), Sunflowers (Aug 23), Brussel Sprouts (Aug 28), +1 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Basil (Sep 2), Cosmos (Sep 2), Cucumber (Sep 2), Zinnias (Sep 2), Broccoli (Sep 3), Nasturtiums (Sep 7), +13 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Oct 3), Cilantro (Oct 3), Collards (Oct 7), Scallions (Oct 7), Bok Choy (Oct 8), Lettuce (Oct 8), +6 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 22), Lavender (Nov 22), Onion (Nov 22), Rosemary (Nov 22). Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 29). First frost around November 29. |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 6), Collards (Dec 6), Kale (Dec 6), Oregano (Dec 6), Parsley (Dec 6), Scallions (Dec 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 20), Beets (Dec 20), Dill (Dec 20), Peas (Dec 20), Radish (Dec 20), Spinach (Dec 20). Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 20). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Mesa, AZ (ZIP 85203)?
The median last spring frost date for Mesa, AZ (ZIP code 85203) is around February 14. 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 Mesa, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Mesa, AZ is around November 29. 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 12 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Mesa, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Mesa is about 288 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 Mesa (288 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 Mesa, AZ?
Mesa, AZ 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 Mesa, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 10 and plant out Feb 28 in Mesa. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Mesa?
Two: plant Jan 17 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 6.
When do I plant garlic in Mesa?
Nov 29 to Dec 20; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Mesa?
Yes: plant out Feb 28 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 30 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Tempe (ZIP 85281) has 300 frost-free days, 12 more than Mesa (ZIP 85203). See Tempe ZIP 85281 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Mesa, AZ 85204 (3.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Tempe, AZ 85281 (7.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Chandler, AZ 85225 (9.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Gilbert, AZ 85295 (10.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (11.1 mi)
- When to plant in Mesa, AZ: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in AZ
- When to plant Peppers in AZ
- When to plant Cucumbers in AZ
- When to plant Zucchini in AZ
- When to plant Butternut Squash in AZ
- When to plant Basil in AZ
- When to plant Sweet Corn in AZ
- Look up another ZIP