Frost Dates for Sun City, AZ 85351
Last spring frost February 1 · First fall frost December 9 · 311 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 85351 has about 27,600 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Sun City.
Very long season: 311 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans December 24–March 8 (74 days). Fall frost risk spans November 15–January 14 (60 days).
Frost probability for 85351
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 8 | February 1 | December 24 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 15 | December 9 | January 14 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LAVEEN 3 SSE (32.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Sun City, AZ
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85351 | February 1 | December 9 | 9b |
| 85373 | February 6 | December 11 | 9b |
Which crops fit a 311-day season in Sun City
In Sun City (311 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 | 269 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 15. | Aug 9 |
| Pepper | Dec 21 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 269 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 15. | Aug 14 |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 11 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 18 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 353 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 353 available after Jan 11. | Oct 7 |
| Cucumber | Jan 11 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 12 |
| Beans | — | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 8 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Dec 2. | Sep 19 |
| Peas | — | Dec 7–Feb 15 | 374 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 374 available after Dec 7. | Sep 28 |
| Zucchini | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 17 |
| Onion | Nov 9 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 346 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 346 available after Jan 4. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 7–Jan 25 | 388 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 6; both mature before Dec 30. | Nov 6 |
| Kale | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 346 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 346 available after Jan 4. | Sep 13 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 360 available after Jan 4. | Oct 7 |
| Radish | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 7; both mature before Dec 16. | Nov 7 |
| Beets | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 8 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 332 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 332 available after Jan 18. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 9 | 416 | overwinter: Plant Dec 9 to Dec 30; harvest the following summer. | Dec 30 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 28–Feb 22 | 367 | 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 | 283 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 283 available after Feb 8. | Aug 21 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 15 | 276 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 15. | Jul 27 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 21 | Jan 25–Feb 8 | 325 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 325 available after Jan 25. | Sep 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 7 | Jan 18–Jan 18 | 332 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 8 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 388 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Nov 6; both mature before Dec 30. | Nov 6 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 360 available after Jan 4. | Sep 7 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 276 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 15. | Jul 27 |
| Eggplant | Dec 14 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 269 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 15. | Aug 19 |
| Okra | Jan 4 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 290 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 8 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 17 |
| Basil | Dec 28 | Feb 22–Feb 22 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 22 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 12 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 4–Jan 25 | 346 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 13; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 13 |
| Parsley | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 311 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 8. | Sep 23 |
| Celery | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 311 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 8. | Aug 4 |
| Scallions | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 27; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 27 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 21–Jan 4 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 21 and again by Oct 22; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 22 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 4 | Jan 25–Feb 1 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 25 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 18 |
| Collards | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 360 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 17; both mature before Dec 30. | Oct 17 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 269 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 15. | Aug 4 |
| Chives | Nov 9 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 325 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 325 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 7–Mar 1 | 374 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 7 and again by Oct 8; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 8 |
| Oregano | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 325 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 325 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 9 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 311 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 311 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Sage | Dec 7 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 325 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 325 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 23 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 325 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 325 available after Feb 8. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Feb 1 | 332 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 18 and again by Oct 13; both mature before Dec 16. | Oct 13 |
| Cosmos | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 12 |
| Lavender | Nov 9 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 332 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 332 available after Feb 1. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 21 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 22 |
| Melons | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 269 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 269 available after Feb 15. | Aug 4 |
| Mint | — | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 332 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 332 available after Feb 1. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 17 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 8–Feb 22 | 290 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 290 available after Feb 8. | Sep 7 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 276 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 15. | Aug 6 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 297 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 297 available after Feb 1. | Sep 2 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 7 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 276 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 8. | Aug 14 |
| Watermelon | Jan 18 | Feb 8–Feb 15 | 276 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 276 available after Feb 8. | Aug 9 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 18 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | 283 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 17 |
| Zinnias | Jan 4 | Feb 1–Feb 15 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 1 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 25. | Sep 12 |
Month by month in Sun City
| 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. |
| 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 | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 27), Pumpkin (Jul 27). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 4), Celery (Aug 4), Melons (Aug 4), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 6), Tomato (Aug 9), Watermelon (Aug 9), +4 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Sep 2), Brussel Sprouts (Sep 7), Pole Beans (Sep 7), Basil (Sep 12), Cosmos (Sep 12), Cucumber (Sep 12), +11 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 7), Carrots (Oct 7), Beets (Oct 8), Dill (Oct 8), Swiss Chard (Oct 8), Calendula (Oct 13), +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: Arugula (Nov 6), Spinach (Nov 6), Radish (Nov 7). |
| 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 9. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 30). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Sun City, AZ (ZIP 85351)?
The median last spring frost date for Sun City, AZ (ZIP code 85351) 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. One year in ten frost ends before December 24; one in ten it runs past March 8.
What is the first fall frost date in Sun City, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Sun City, AZ is around December 9. 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 15 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Sun City, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Sun City is about 311 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 Sun City (311 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 Sun City, AZ?
Sun City, AZ 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 Sun City, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 28 and plant out Feb 15 in Sun 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 Sun City?
Two: plant Jan 4 and again by Oct 18; both mature before Dec 16.
When do I plant garlic in Sun City?
Dec 9 to Dec 30; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Sun City?
Yes: plant out Feb 15 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 9 for a fall crop.
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