Frost Dates for Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Last spring frost January 22 · First fall frost January 30 · 8 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 78582 has about 44,700 people.
Short season: 8 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 78582
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 5 | January 22 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | November 28 | January 30 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at FALCON DAM (39.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 8-day season in Rio Grande City
In Rio Grande City (8 frost-free days, a short season), 8 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 39 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Dec 18 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Pepper | Dec 11 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Lettuce | Nov 27 | Dec 25–Jan 1 | 43 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 25, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Carrots | — | Jan 1–Jan 8 | 50 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 50 days. | — |
| Cucumber | Jan 1 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Beans | — | Jan 29–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Peas | — | Nov 27–Feb 5 | 71 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 71 available after Nov 27. | — |
| Zucchini | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Onion | Oct 30 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 43 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Rio Grande City has 43 after Dec 25. | — |
| Spinach | — | Nov 27–Jan 15 | 85 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 85 available after Nov 27. | Dec 28 |
| Kale | Nov 13 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 57 available after Dec 25. | — |
| Broccoli | Nov 27 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 43 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Rio Grande City has 43 after Dec 25. | — |
| Cabbage | Nov 27 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 25, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Radish | — | Nov 27–Feb 19 | 71 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 27 and again by Dec 29; both mature before Feb 6. | Dec 29 |
| Beets | — | Nov 27–Feb 19 | 71 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 71 available after Nov 27. | Nov 29 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 8–Jan 15 | 29 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 29 after Jan 8. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 30 | 113 | overwinter: Plant Jan 30 to Feb 20; harvest the following summer. | Feb 20 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 18–Feb 12 | 64 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 18; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Dec 25 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Pumpkin | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Cauliflower | Dec 11 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 15. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Nov 27 | Jan 8–Jan 8 | 29 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Rio Grande City has 29 after Jan 8. | — |
| Arugula | — | Nov 27–Feb 19 | 85 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 85 available after Nov 27. | Dec 28 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Nov 27 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Rio Grande City has 57 after Dec 25. | — |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 4 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Okra | Dec 25 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 | Feb 12–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 12. | — |
| Cilantro | — | Dec 25–Jan 15 | 43 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 43 days. | — |
| Parsley | Nov 13 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 8 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Rio Grande City has 8 after Jan 29. | — |
| Celery | Nov 13 | Jan 29–Feb 12 | 8 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Rio Grande City has 8 after Jan 29. | — |
| Scallions | Nov 13 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 25, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Turnip | — | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 57 available after Dec 25. | — |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 11–Dec 25 | 71 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 71 available after Dec 11. | Dec 13 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 25 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 45 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 15. | — |
| Collards | Nov 13 | Dec 25–Jan 8 | 57 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 25, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Chives | Oct 30 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 29. | — |
| Dill | — | Nov 27–Feb 19 | 71 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 71 available after Nov 27. | Nov 29 |
| Oregano | Nov 13 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 29. | — |
| Rosemary | Oct 30 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 8 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Rio Grande City has 8 after Jan 29. | — |
| Sage | Nov 27 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 29. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 13 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 22 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 22 after Jan 29. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 11 | Jan 8–Jan 22 | 29 | head-start: Even planted out Jan 8, the outdoor season is about 21 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cosmos | Dec 25 | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 22. | — |
| Lavender | Oct 30 | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 29 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 29 after Jan 22. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 11 | Jan 22–Jan 29 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 22. | — |
| Melons | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Mint | — | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 29 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 29 after Jan 22. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Dec 25 | Jan 22–Jan 29 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 22. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jan 29–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 65 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 22. | — |
| Tomatillos | Nov 27 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Watermelon | Jan 8 | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 29. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 8 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Feb 5. | — |
| Zinnias | Dec 25 | Jan 22–Feb 5 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Rio Grande City has 0 after Jan 22. | — |
Month by month in Rio Grande City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Cucumber (Jan 1), Butternut Squash (Jan 8), Cantaloupe (Jan 8), Melons (Jan 8), Pumpkin (Jan 8), Spaghetti Squash (Jan 8), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Jan 1), Potatoes (Jan 8), Sunflowers (Jan 22), Beans (Jan 29), Pole Beans (Jan 29), Garlic (Jan 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Jan 8), Swiss Chard (Jan 8), Bok Choy (Jan 15), Cauliflower (Jan 15), Cosmos (Jan 22), Lavender (Jan 22), +15 more. Last frost around January 22. First frost around January 30. |
| February | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Feb 5), Cantaloupe (Feb 5), Cucumber (Feb 5), Eggplant (Feb 5), Melons (Feb 5), Pepper (Feb 5), +6 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 | Start indoors: Chives (Oct 30), Lavender (Oct 30), Onion (Oct 30), Rosemary (Oct 30). |
| November | Start indoors: Celery (Nov 13), Collards (Nov 13), Kale (Nov 13), Oregano (Nov 13), Parsley (Nov 13), Scallions (Nov 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Nov 27), Beets (Nov 27), Dill (Nov 27), Peas (Nov 27), Radish (Nov 27), Spinach (Nov 27). Last sowing dates: Beets (Nov 29), Dill (Nov 29). |
| December | Start indoors: Eggplant (Dec 4), Calendula (Dec 11), Cauliflower (Dec 11), Marigolds (Dec 11), Pepper (Dec 11), Basil (Dec 18), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Dec 11), Cilantro (Dec 25), Turnip (Dec 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Dec 25), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 25), Cabbage (Dec 25), Collards (Dec 25), Kale (Dec 25), Lettuce (Dec 25), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 18). Last sowing dates: Kohlrabi (Dec 13), Arugula (Dec 28), Spinach (Dec 28), Radish (Dec 29). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Rio Grande City, TX (ZIP 78582)?
The median last spring frost date for Rio Grande City, TX (ZIP code 78582) is around January 22. 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 Rio Grande City, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Rio Grande City, 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 November 28 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Rio Grande City, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Rio Grande City is about 8 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 Rio Grande City (8 frost-free days, a short season), 8 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 39 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Rio Grande City, TX?
Rio Grande City, 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 Rio Grande City, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 18 and plant out Feb 5 in Rio Grande City. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Rio Grande City?
One spring planting around Dec 25.
When do I plant garlic in Rio Grande City?
Jan 30 to Feb 20; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Rio Grande City?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Rio Grande City has 8 after Jan 29.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Roma (ZIP 78584) has 324 frost-free days, 316 more than Rio Grande City (ZIP 78582). See Roma ZIP 78584 frost dates
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