Frost Dates for Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Last spring frost February 6 · First fall frost December 13 · 310 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 85254 has about 45,600 people, the largest of 11 ZIP codes in Scottsdale.
Very long season: 310 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 85254
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 6 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | November 18 | December 13 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CAREFREE (22.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Scottsdale, AZ
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85254 | February 6 | December 13 | 10a |
| 85255 | February 1 | December 15 | 10a |
| 85251 | February 8 | December 5 | 9b |
| 85260 | February 6 | December 13 | 10a |
| 85257 | February 8 | December 5 | 9b |
| 85258 | February 6 | December 13 | 10a |
| 85259 | February 6 | December 13 | 10a |
| 85250 | February 8 | December 5 | 9b |
| 85262 | February 6 | December 13 | 9b |
| 85266 | February 1 | December 15 | 10a |
| 85256 | February 8 | December 5 | 9b |
Which crops fit a 310-day season in Scottsdale
In Scottsdale (310 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 2 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 268 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 20. | Aug 13 |
| Pepper | Dec 26 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 268 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 20. | Aug 18 |
| Lettuce | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 16 | 345 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 22 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 16–Jan 23 | 352 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 352 available after Jan 16. | Oct 11 |
| Cucumber | Jan 16 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 282 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 16 |
| Beans | — | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 6. | Sep 23 |
| Peas | — | Dec 12–Feb 20 | 373 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 373 available after Dec 12. | Oct 2 |
| Zucchini | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 282 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 21 |
| Onion | Nov 14 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 345 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 345 available after Jan 9. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 12–Jan 30 | 387 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Nov 10; both mature before Jan 3. | Nov 10 |
| Kale | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 26; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 26 |
| Broccoli | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 345 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 345 available after Jan 9. | Sep 17 |
| Cabbage | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 359 available after Jan 9. | Oct 11 |
| Radish | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 373 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Nov 11; both mature before Dec 20. | Nov 11 |
| Beets | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 373 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 23–Jan 30 | 331 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 331 available after Jan 23. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 13 | 415 | overwinter: Plant Dec 13 to Jan 3; harvest the following summer. | Jan 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 2–Feb 27 | 366 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 2; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 9 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 282 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 13. | Aug 25 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 20 | 275 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 20. | Jul 31 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 26 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 324 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 324 available after Jan 30. | Sep 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 12 | Jan 23–Jan 23 | 331 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 23 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 12 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 387 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Nov 10; both mature before Jan 3. | Nov 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 12 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 359 available after Jan 9. | Sep 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 275 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 20. | Jul 31 |
| Eggplant | Dec 19 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 268 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 20. | Aug 23 |
| Okra | Jan 9 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 21 |
| Basil | Jan 2 | Feb 27–Feb 27 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 9–Jan 30 | 345 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 17 |
| Parsley | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 310 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 13. | Sep 27 |
| Celery | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 310 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 13. | Aug 8 |
| Scallions | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 21 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 31; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 31 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 26–Jan 9 | 373 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 26 and again by Oct 26; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 26 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 9 | Jan 30–Feb 6 | 324 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 22 |
| Collards | Nov 28 | Jan 9–Jan 23 | 359 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 21; both mature before Jan 3. | Oct 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 268 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 20. | Aug 8 |
| Chives | Nov 14 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 324 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 324 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 12–Mar 6 | 373 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 12 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 12 |
| Oregano | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 324 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 324 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 14 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 310 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Sage | Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 324 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 324 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 324 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 324 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 26 | Jan 23–Feb 6 | 331 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 23 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 20. | Oct 17 |
| Cosmos | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 16 |
| Lavender | Nov 14 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 331 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 26 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 26 |
| Melons | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 268 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 20. | Aug 8 |
| Mint | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 331 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 6. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 289 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 289 available after Feb 13. | Sep 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 275 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 20. | Aug 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 296 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 296 available after Feb 6. | Sep 6 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 275 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 13. | Aug 18 |
| Watermelon | Jan 23 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 275 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 13. | Aug 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 23 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 282 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 21 |
| Zinnias | Jan 9 | Feb 6–Feb 20 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 16 |
Month by month in Scottsdale
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Basil (Jan 2), Tomato (Jan 2), Bok Choy (Jan 9), Corn (Jan 9), Cosmos (Jan 9), Nasturtiums (Jan 9), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Jan 9), Turnip (Jan 9), Carrots (Jan 16), Potatoes (Jan 23). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 9), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 9), Cabbage (Jan 9), Collards (Jan 9), Kale (Jan 9), Lettuce (Jan 9), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 2). Last sowing dates: Garlic (Jan 3). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 6), Beans (Feb 13), Pole Beans (Feb 13). Transplant from: Cosmos (Feb 6), Lavender (Feb 6), Marigolds (Feb 6), Mint (Feb 6), Nasturtiums (Feb 6), Zinnias (Feb 6), +23 more. Last frost around February 6. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| 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 31), Pumpkin (Jul 31). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 8), Celery (Aug 8), Melons (Aug 8), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 10), Tomato (Aug 13), Watermelon (Aug 13), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 6), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 11), Pole Beans (Sep 11), Basil (Sep 16), Cosmos (Sep 16), Cucumber (Sep 16), +10 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Peas (Oct 2), Cabbage (Oct 11), Carrots (Oct 11), Beets (Oct 12), Dill (Oct 12), Swiss Chard (Oct 12), +9 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 14), Lavender (Nov 14), Onion (Nov 14), Rosemary (Nov 14), Celery (Nov 28), Collards (Nov 28), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 10), Spinach (Nov 10), Radish (Nov 11). |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 12), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 12), Cabbage (Dec 12), Lettuce (Dec 12), Sage (Dec 12), Swiss Chard (Dec 12), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 12), Beets (Dec 12), Dill (Dec 12), Peas (Dec 12), Radish (Dec 12), Spinach (Dec 12), +2 more. First frost around December 13. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Scottsdale, AZ (ZIP 85254)?
The median last spring frost date for Scottsdale, AZ (ZIP code 85254) is around February 6. 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 Scottsdale, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Scottsdale, AZ is around December 13. 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 18 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Scottsdale, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Scottsdale is about 310 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 Scottsdale (310 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 Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale, AZ 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 Scottsdale, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 2 and plant out Feb 20 in Scottsdale. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Scottsdale?
Two: plant Jan 9 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 20.
When do I plant garlic in Scottsdale?
Dec 13 to Jan 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Scottsdale?
Yes: plant out Feb 20 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 13 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Fountain Hills (ZIP 85268) has 317 frost-free days, 7 more than Scottsdale (ZIP 85254). See Fountain Hills ZIP 85268 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Phoenix, AZ 85032 (3.1 mi)
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- When to plant in Scottsdale, AZ: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in AZ
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- When to plant Cucumbers in AZ
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- When to plant Butternut Squash in AZ
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