Frost Dates for Scottsdale, AZ 85266
Scottsdale has 11 ZIP codes. The Scottsdale, AZ frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 1 · First fall frost December 15 · 317 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 85266 has about 12,500 people, one of 11 ZIP codes in Scottsdale.
Very long season: 317 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 85266
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 1 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | November 18 | December 15 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TEMPE ASU (37.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 317-day season in Scottsdale
In Scottsdale (317 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 | Dec 28 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 275 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 15. | Aug 15 |
| Pepper | Dec 21 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 275 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 15. | Aug 20 |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 11 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 24 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 359 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 359 available after Jan 11. | Oct 13 |
| Cucumber | Jan 11 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Beans | — | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 8 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 25 |
| Peas | — | Dec 7–Feb 15 | 380 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 380 available after Dec 7. | Oct 4 |
| Zucchini | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Onion | Nov 9 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 352 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 352 available after Jan 4. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 7–Jan 25 | 394 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 12 |
| Kale | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 28 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 352 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 352 available after Jan 4. | Sep 19 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 366 available after Jan 4. | Oct 13 |
| Radish | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 380 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 13; both mature before Dec 22. | Nov 13 |
| Beets | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 380 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 338 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 338 available after Jan 18. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 15 | 422 | overwinter: Plant Dec 15 to Jan 5; harvest the following summer. | Jan 5 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 28–Feb 22 | 373 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 28; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 4 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 289 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 289 available after Feb 8. | Aug 27 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 15 | 282 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 15. | Aug 2 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 21 | Jan 25–Feb 8 | 331 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 331 available after Jan 25. | Sep 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 7 | Jan 18–Jan 18 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 394 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 12; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 12 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 366 available after Jan 4. | Sep 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 282 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 15. | Aug 2 |
| Eggplant | Dec 14 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 275 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 15. | Aug 25 |
| Okra | Jan 4 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 296 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 8 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Basil | Dec 28 | Feb 22–Feb 22 | 282 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 4–Jan 25 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Parsley | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 317 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 317 available after Feb 8. | Sep 29 |
| Celery | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 317 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 317 available after Feb 8. | Aug 10 |
| Scallions | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 23 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Nov 2; both mature before Jan 5. | Nov 2 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 21–Jan 4 | 380 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Oct 28; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 28 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 4 | Jan 25–Feb 1 | 331 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 25 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 24 |
| Collards | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 23; both mature before Jan 5. | Oct 23 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 275 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 15. | Aug 10 |
| Chives | Nov 9 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 331 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 380 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Oregano | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 331 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 9 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 317 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 317 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Sage | Dec 7 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 331 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 331 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 331 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Cosmos | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
| Lavender | Nov 9 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 338 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 338 available after Feb 1. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 21 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 28 |
| Melons | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 275 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 15. | Aug 10 |
| Mint | — | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 338 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 338 available after Feb 1. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 296 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 296 available after Feb 8. | Sep 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 282 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 15. | Aug 12 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 303 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 1. | Sep 8 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 7 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 282 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 8. | Aug 20 |
| Watermelon | Jan 18 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 282 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 282 available after Feb 8. | Aug 15 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 23 |
| Zinnias | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Dec 1. | Sep 18 |
Month by month in Scottsdale
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Jan 4), Corn (Jan 4), Cosmos (Jan 4), Nasturtiums (Jan 4), Okra (Jan 4), Zinnias (Jan 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Jan 4), Turnip (Jan 4), Carrots (Jan 11), Potatoes (Jan 18). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 4), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 4), Cabbage (Jan 4), Collards (Jan 4), Kale (Jan 4), Lettuce (Jan 4), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Jan 5). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 1), Beans (Feb 8), Pole Beans (Feb 8). Transplant from: Cosmos (Feb 1), Lavender (Feb 1), Marigolds (Feb 1), Mint (Feb 1), Nasturtiums (Feb 1), Zinnias (Feb 1), +23 more. Last frost around February 1. |
| 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 | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Aug 2), Pumpkin (Aug 2), Cantaloupe (Aug 10), Celery (Aug 10), Melons (Aug 10), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 12), +6 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 8), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 13), Pole Beans (Sep 13), Basil (Sep 18), Cosmos (Sep 18), Cucumber (Sep 18), +10 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Peas (Oct 4), Cabbage (Oct 13), Carrots (Oct 13), Beets (Oct 14), Dill (Oct 14), Swiss Chard (Oct 14), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 9), Lavender (Nov 9), Onion (Nov 9), Rosemary (Nov 9), Celery (Nov 23), Collards (Nov 23), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Turnip (Nov 2), Arugula (Nov 12), Spinach (Nov 12), Radish (Nov 13). |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 7), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 7), Cabbage (Dec 7), Lettuce (Dec 7), Sage (Dec 7), Swiss Chard (Dec 7), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Dec 7), Beets (Dec 7), Dill (Dec 7), Peas (Dec 7), Radish (Dec 7), Spinach (Dec 7), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 28). First frost around December 15. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Scottsdale, AZ (ZIP 85266)?
The median last spring frost date for Scottsdale, AZ (ZIP code 85266) is around February 1. 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 15. 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 317 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 (317 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 Dec 28 and plant out Feb 15 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 4 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 22.
When do I plant garlic in Scottsdale?
Dec 15 to Jan 5; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Scottsdale?
Yes: plant out Feb 15 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 15 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (8.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (10.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Phoenix, AZ 85032 (10.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (15 mi)
- Frost dates for Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (15 mi)
- When to plant in Scottsdale, AZ: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in AZ
- When to plant Peppers in AZ
- When to plant Cucumbers in AZ
- When to plant Zucchini in AZ
- When to plant Butternut Squash in AZ
- When to plant Basil in AZ
- When to plant Sweet Corn in AZ
- Look up another ZIP