Frost Dates for Safford, AZ 85546
Last spring frost April 2 · First fall frost November 5 · 217 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
ZIP 85546 has about 20,800 people.
Long season: 217 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 12–April 21 (40 days). Fall frost risk spans October 24–November 19 (26 days).
Frost probability for 85546
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 21 | April 2 | March 12 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 24 | November 5 | November 19 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at BOWIE (44.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 217-day season in Safford
In Safford (217 frost-free days, a 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 | Feb 26 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 175 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 16. | Jul 6 |
| Pepper | Feb 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 175 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 16. | Jul 11 |
| Lettuce | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 12 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 14 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 12–Mar 19 | 259 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 259 available after Mar 12. | Sep 3 |
| Cucumber | Mar 12 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 9 |
| Beans | — | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Peas | — | Feb 5–Apr 16 | 280 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 280 available after Feb 5. | Aug 25 |
| Zucchini | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Onion | Jan 8 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 252 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 5. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 5–Mar 26 | 294 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Nov 26. | Oct 3 |
| Kale | Jan 22 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Broccoli | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 252 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 5. | Aug 10 |
| Cabbage | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 266 available after Mar 5. | Sep 3 |
| Radish | — | Feb 5–Apr 30 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Oct 4 |
| Beets | — | Feb 5–Apr 30 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 238 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 19. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 5 | 322 | overwinter: Plant Nov 5 to Nov 26; harvest the following summer. | Nov 26 |
| Strawberry | — | Feb 26–Apr 23 | 273 | perennial: A perennial: plant Feb 26; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 5 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 189 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 189 available after Apr 9. | Jul 18 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 16 | 182 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 16. | Jun 23 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 19 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 231 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 231 available after Mar 26. | Aug 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 5 | Mar 19–Mar 19 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 5–Apr 30 | 294 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 3; both mature before Nov 26. | Oct 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 5 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 266 available after Mar 5. | Aug 4 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 182 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 16. | Jun 23 |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 175 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 16. | Jul 16 |
| Okra | Mar 5 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 196 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Basil | Feb 26 | Apr 23–Apr 23 | 182 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 5–Mar 26 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 9 |
| Parsley | Jan 22 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 217 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 9. | Aug 20 |
| Celery | Jan 22 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 217 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 9. | Jul 1 |
| Scallions | Jan 22 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 23 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 18 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 5 | Mar 26–Apr 2 | 231 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 14 |
| Collards | Jan 22 | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 266 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 26. | Sep 13 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 175 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 16. | Jul 1 |
| Chives | Jan 8 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 231 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 231 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 5–Apr 30 | 280 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Oregano | Jan 22 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 231 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 231 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 8 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 217 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 217 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Sage | Feb 5 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 231 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 231 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 22 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 231 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 231 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 238 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 9 |
| Cosmos | Mar 5 | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 9 |
| Lavender | Jan 8 | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 238 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 238 available after Apr 2. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 19 | Apr 2–Apr 9 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 19 |
| Melons | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 175 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 175 available after Apr 16. | Jul 1 |
| Mint | — | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 238 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 238 available after Apr 2. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 5 | Apr 2–Apr 9 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 196 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 9. | Aug 4 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 182 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 16. | Jul 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 203 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 2. | Jul 30 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 5 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 182 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 9. | Jul 11 |
| Watermelon | Mar 19 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 182 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 182 available after Apr 9. | Jul 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 189 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Zinnias | Mar 5 | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 9 |
Month by month in Safford
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 8), Lavender (Jan 8), Onion (Jan 8), Rosemary (Jan 8), Celery (Jan 22), Collards (Jan 22), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 5), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 5), Cabbage (Feb 5), Lettuce (Feb 5), Sage (Feb 5), Swiss Chard (Feb 5), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 5), Beets (Feb 5), Dill (Feb 5), Peas (Feb 5), Radish (Feb 5), Spinach (Feb 5), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Feb 26). |
| March | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Mar 5), Corn (Mar 5), Cosmos (Mar 5), Nasturtiums (Mar 5), Okra (Mar 5), Zinnias (Mar 5), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 5), Turnip (Mar 5), Carrots (Mar 12), Potatoes (Mar 19). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 5), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 5), Cabbage (Mar 5), Collards (Mar 5), Kale (Mar 5), Lettuce (Mar 5), +6 more. |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 2), Beans (Apr 9), Pole Beans (Apr 9). Transplant from: Cosmos (Apr 2), Lavender (Apr 2), Marigolds (Apr 2), Mint (Apr 2), Nasturtiums (Apr 2), Zinnias (Apr 2), +23 more. Last frost around April 2. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 23), Pumpkin (Jun 23). |
| July | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jul 1), Celery (Jul 1), Melons (Jul 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 3), Tomato (Jul 6), Watermelon (Jul 6), +5 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Aug 4), Pole Beans (Aug 4), Basil (Aug 9), Cosmos (Aug 9), Cucumber (Aug 9), Zinnias (Aug 9), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Sep 3), Carrots (Sep 3), Beets (Sep 4), Dill (Sep 4), Swiss Chard (Sep 4), Calendula (Sep 9), +8 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Oct 3), Spinach (Oct 3), Radish (Oct 4). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 5). First frost around November 5. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 26). |
| December | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Safford, AZ (ZIP 85546)?
The median last spring frost date for Safford, AZ (ZIP code 85546) is around April 2. 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 March 12; one in ten it runs past April 21.
What is the first fall frost date in Safford, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Safford, AZ is around November 5. 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 24 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Safford, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Safford is about 217 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 Safford (217 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Safford, AZ?
Safford, 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 Safford, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Feb 26 and plant out Apr 16 in Safford. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Safford?
Two: plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 12.
When do I plant garlic in Safford?
Nov 5 to Nov 26; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Safford?
Yes: plant out Apr 16 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 6 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Vail (ZIP 85641) has 286 frost-free days, 69 more than Safford (ZIP 85546). See Vail ZIP 85641 frost dates
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