Frost Dates for Payson, AZ 85541
Last spring frost May 13 · First fall frost October 20 · 160 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
ZIP 85541 has about 23,400 people.
Moderate season: 160 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 26–May 29 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans October 7–November 3 (27 days).
Frost probability for 85541
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 29 | May 13 | April 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 7 | October 20 | November 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PAYSON (1.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 160-day season in Payson
In Payson (160 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 8 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jun 20 |
| Pepper | Apr 1 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jun 25 |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 202 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 22. | Aug 18 |
| Cucumber | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 132 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 132 available after May 27. | Jul 24 |
| Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Peas | — | Mar 18–May 27 | 223 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 18. | Aug 9 |
| Zucchini | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 27 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Onion | Feb 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 18–May 6 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Kale | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 195 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 15. | Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 15. | Aug 18 |
| Radish | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 18 |
| Beets | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 29–May 6 | 181 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 20 | 265 | overwinter: Plant Oct 20 to Nov 10; harvest the following summer. | Nov 10 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 8–Jun 3 | 216 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 132 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 132 available after May 20. | Jul 2 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 29 | May 27–May 27 | 125 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 125 available after May 27. | Jun 7 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 1 | May 6–May 20 | 174 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 174 available after May 6. | Jul 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 18 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 15. | Jul 19 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 125 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 125 available after May 27. | Jun 7 |
| Eggplant | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jun 30 |
| Okra | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 139 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Basil | Apr 8 | Jun 3–Jun 3 | 125 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 125 available after Jun 3. | Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 15–May 6 | 195 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Parsley | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | Aug 4 |
| Celery | Mar 4 | May 20–Jun 3 | 160 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | Jun 15 |
| Scallions | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 7 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Collards | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jun 15 |
| Chives | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 174 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 174 available after May 20. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Oregano | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 174 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 174 available after May 20. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 160 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 160 available after May 20. | — |
| Sage | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 174 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 174 available after May 20. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 174 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 174 available after May 20. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Cosmos | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Lavender | Feb 18 | May 13–May 27 | 181 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 181 available after May 13. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 1 | May 13–May 20 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 6. | Aug 3 |
| Melons | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 118 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 118 available after May 27. | Jun 15 |
| Mint | — | May 13–May 27 | 181 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 181 available after May 13. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 139 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 139 available after May 20. | Jul 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 125 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 125 available after May 27. | Jun 17 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 13–May 27 | 146 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 146 available after May 13. | Jul 14 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 125 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 125 available after May 20. | Jun 25 |
| Watermelon | Apr 29 | May 20–May 27 | 125 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 125 available after May 20. | Jun 20 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 132 | two-plantings: Plant May 27 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Zinnias | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 146 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
Month by month in Payson
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 18), Lavender (Feb 18), Onion (Feb 18), Rosemary (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 4), Collards (Mar 4), Kale (Mar 4), Oregano (Mar 4), Parsley (Mar 4), Scallions (Mar 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 18), Beets (Mar 18), Dill (Mar 18), Peas (Mar 18), Radish (Mar 18), Spinach (Mar 18). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 1), Cauliflower (Apr 1), Marigolds (Apr 1), Pepper (Apr 1), Basil (Apr 8), Tomato (Apr 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 1), Cilantro (Apr 15), Turnip (Apr 15), Carrots (Apr 22), Potatoes (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 15), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 15), Cabbage (Apr 15), Collards (Apr 15), Kale (Apr 15), Lettuce (Apr 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 8). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 13), Beans (May 20), Pole Beans (May 20). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 6), Cauliflower (May 6), Cosmos (May 13), Lavender (May 13), Marigolds (May 13), Mint (May 13), +24 more. Last frost around May 13. |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 3). Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 7), Pumpkin (Jun 7), Cantaloupe (Jun 15), Celery (Jun 15), Melons (Jun 15), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 17), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 2), Sunflowers (Jul 14), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 19), Pole Beans (Jul 19), Basil (Jul 24), Cosmos (Jul 24), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 3), Parsley (Aug 4), Peas (Aug 9), Cabbage (Aug 18), Carrots (Aug 18), Beets (Aug 19), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 2), Kohlrabi (Sep 2), Turnip (Sep 7), Arugula (Sep 17), Spinach (Sep 17), Radish (Sep 18). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 20). First frost around October 20. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 10). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Payson, AZ (ZIP 85541)?
The median last spring frost date for Payson, AZ (ZIP code 85541) is around May 13. 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 April 26; one in ten it runs past May 29.
What is the first fall frost date in Payson, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Payson, AZ is around October 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 7 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Payson, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Payson is about 160 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 Payson (160 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Payson, AZ?
Payson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 8b (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 Payson, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 8 and plant out May 27 in Payson. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Payson?
Two: plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27.
When do I plant garlic in Payson?
Oct 20 to Nov 10; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Camp Verde (ZIP 86322) has 214 frost-free days, 54 more than Payson (ZIP 85541). See Camp Verde ZIP 86322 frost dates
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