Frost Dates for San Juan, TX 78589
Last spring frost December 27 · First fall frost January 22 · 26 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 78589 has about 40,200 people.
Short season: 26 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 78589
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | February 14 | December 27 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 13 | January 22 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MCALLEN INTL AP (8.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 26-day season in San Juan
In San Juan (26 frost-free days, a short season), 11 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 3 get two plantings, 4 need an indoor start, 1 need a faster variety, 36 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Nov 22 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Pepper | Nov 15 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Lettuce | Nov 1 | Nov 29–Dec 6 | 61 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 61 available after Nov 29. | Dec 1 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 6–Dec 13 | 68 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 68 days. | — |
| Cucumber | Dec 6 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Beans | — | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; San Juan has 12 after Jan 3. | — |
| Peas | — | Nov 1–Jan 10 | 89 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 1. | Nov 11 |
| Zucchini | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Onion | Oct 4 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 61 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; San Juan has 61 after Nov 29. | — |
| Spinach | — | Nov 1–Dec 20 | 103 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 1 and again by Dec 20; both mature before Feb 12. | Dec 20 |
| Kale | Oct 18 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 29. | Dec 5 |
| Broccoli | Nov 1 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 61 | head-start: Even planted out Nov 29, the outdoor season is about 19 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cabbage | Nov 1 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 29. | — |
| Radish | — | Nov 1–Jan 24 | 89 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 1 and again by Dec 21; both mature before Jan 29. | Dec 21 |
| Beets | — | Nov 1–Jan 24 | 89 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 1. | Nov 21 |
| Potatoes | — | Dec 13–Dec 20 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 47 after Dec 13. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 22 | 131 | overwinter: Plant Jan 22 to Feb 12; harvest the following summer. | Feb 12 |
| Strawberry | — | Nov 22–Jan 17 | 82 | perennial: A perennial: plant Nov 22; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Nov 29 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 3. | — |
| Pumpkin | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 10 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Cauliflower | Nov 15 | Dec 20–Jan 3 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; San Juan has 40 after Dec 20. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Nov 1 | Dec 13–Dec 13 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 13, the outdoor season is about 8 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Arugula | — | Nov 1–Jan 24 | 103 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 1 and again by Dec 20; both mature before Feb 12. | Dec 20 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Nov 1 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; San Juan has 75 after Nov 29. | — |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 8 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Okra | Nov 29 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 5 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; San Juan has 5 after Jan 3. | — |
| Basil | Nov 22 | Jan 17–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 17. | — |
| Cilantro | — | Nov 29–Dec 20 | 61 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 61 available after Nov 29. | — |
| Parsley | Oct 18 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; San Juan has 26 after Jan 3. | — |
| Celery | Oct 18 | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; San Juan has 26 after Jan 3. | — |
| Scallions | Oct 18 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 29. | Nov 30 |
| Turnip | — | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 29. | Dec 10 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Nov 15–Nov 29 | 89 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 15. | Dec 5 |
| Bok Choy | Nov 29 | Dec 20–Dec 27 | 40 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 20, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Collards | Oct 18 | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 75 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 29. | Nov 30 |
| Cantaloupe | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Chives | Oct 4 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 40 after Jan 3. | — |
| Dill | — | Nov 1–Jan 24 | 89 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 1. | Nov 21 |
| Oregano | Oct 18 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; San Juan has 40 after Jan 3. | — |
| Rosemary | Oct 4 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; San Juan has 26 after Jan 3. | — |
| Sage | Nov 1 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; San Juan has 40 after Jan 3. | — |
| Thyme | Oct 18 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 40 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 40 after Jan 3. | — |
| Calendula | Nov 15 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 47 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 13, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cosmos | Nov 29 | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; San Juan has 12 after Dec 27. | — |
| Lavender | Oct 4 | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 47 after Dec 27. | — |
| Marigolds | Nov 15 | Dec 27–Jan 3 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; San Juan has 12 after Dec 27. | — |
| Melons | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Mint | — | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 47 after Dec 27. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Nov 29 | Dec 27–Jan 3 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; San Juan has 12 after Dec 27. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 5 | no-fit: Needs 65 days; San Juan has 5 after Jan 3. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; San Juan has 12 after Dec 27. | — |
| Tomatillos | Nov 1 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 3. | — |
| Watermelon | Dec 13 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 3. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; San Juan has 0 after Jan 10. | — |
| Zinnias | Nov 29 | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; San Juan has 12 after Dec 27. | — |
Month by month in San Juan
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Direct sow from: Beans (Jan 3), Pole Beans (Jan 3), Garlic (Jan 22). Transplant from: Celery (Jan 3), Chives (Jan 3), Corn (Jan 3), Okra (Jan 3), Oregano (Jan 3), Parsley (Jan 3), +17 more. First frost around January 22. |
| February | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 12). |
| 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 4), Lavender (Oct 4), Onion (Oct 4), Rosemary (Oct 4), Celery (Oct 18), Collards (Oct 18), +5 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Broccoli (Nov 1), Brussel Sprouts (Nov 1), Cabbage (Nov 1), Lettuce (Nov 1), Sage (Nov 1), Swiss Chard (Nov 1), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Nov 1), Beets (Nov 1), Dill (Nov 1), Peas (Nov 1), Radish (Nov 1), Spinach (Nov 1), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Nov 29), Brussel Sprouts (Nov 29), Cabbage (Nov 29), Collards (Nov 29), Kale (Nov 29), Lettuce (Nov 29), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Nov 22). Last sowing dates: Peas (Nov 11), Beets (Nov 21), Dill (Nov 21), Collards (Nov 30), Scallions (Nov 30). |
| December | Start indoors: Cucumber (Dec 6), Butternut Squash (Dec 13), Cantaloupe (Dec 13), Melons (Dec 13), Pumpkin (Dec 13), Spaghetti Squash (Dec 13), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Dec 6), Potatoes (Dec 13), Sunflowers (Dec 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Dec 13), Swiss Chard (Dec 13), Bok Choy (Dec 20), Cauliflower (Dec 20), Cosmos (Dec 27), Lavender (Dec 27), +4 more. Last frost around December 27. Last sowing dates: Lettuce (Dec 1), Kale (Dec 5), Kohlrabi (Dec 5), Turnip (Dec 10), Arugula (Dec 20), Spinach (Dec 20), +1 more. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for San Juan, TX (ZIP 78589)?
The median last spring frost date for San Juan, TX (ZIP code 78589) is around December 27. 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 San Juan, TX?
The median first fall frost date for San Juan, TX is around January 22. 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 December 13 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in San Juan, TX?
The frost-free growing season in San Juan is about 26 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 San Juan (26 frost-free days, a short season), 11 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 3 get two plantings, 4 need an indoor start, 1 need a faster variety, 36 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is San Juan, TX?
San Juan, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (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 San Juan, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Nov 22 and plant out Jan 10 in San Juan. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in San Juan?
One spring planting around Nov 29. The last sow date is Dec 1.
When do I plant garlic in San Juan?
Jan 22 to Feb 12; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in San Juan?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; San Juan has 26 after Jan 3.
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