Frost Dates for Surprise, AZ 85388
Surprise has 5 ZIP codes. The Surprise, AZ frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 12 · First fall frost December 1 · 292 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 85388 has about 35,400 people, one of 5 ZIP codes in Surprise.
Very long season: 292 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 17–March 13 (55 days). Fall frost risk spans November 15–December 17 (32 days).
Frost probability for 85388
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 13 | February 12 | January 17 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 15 | December 1 | December 17 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LITCHFIELD PARK (13.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 292-day season in Surprise
In Surprise (292 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 8 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 250 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 26. | Aug 1 |
| Pepper | Jan 1 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 250 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 26. | Aug 6 |
| Lettuce | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 10 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 22–Jan 29 | 334 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 334 available after Jan 22. | Sep 29 |
| Cucumber | Jan 22 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Beans | — | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
| Peas | — | Dec 18–Feb 26 | 355 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 355 available after Dec 18. | Sep 20 |
| Zucchini | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Onion | Nov 20 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 327 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 327 available after Jan 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 18–Feb 5 | 369 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Oct 29; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 29 |
| Kale | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Broccoli | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 327 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 327 available after Jan 15. | Sep 5 |
| Cabbage | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 341 available after Jan 15. | Sep 29 |
| Radish | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 355 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Oct 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 30 |
| Beets | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 355 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 29–Feb 5 | 313 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 313 available after Jan 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 1 | 397 | overwinter: Plant Dec 1 to Dec 22; harvest the following summer. | Dec 22 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 8–Mar 5 | 348 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 15 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 264 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 264 available after Feb 19. | Aug 13 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Feb 26 | 257 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 26. | Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 1 | Feb 5–Feb 19 | 306 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 5. | Sep 10 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 18 | Jan 29–Jan 29 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 29 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 369 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Oct 29; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 29 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 18 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 341 available after Jan 15. | Aug 30 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 257 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 26. | Jul 19 |
| Eggplant | Dec 25 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 250 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 26. | Aug 11 |
| Okra | Jan 15 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 271 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Basil | Jan 8 | Mar 5–Mar 5 | 257 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 15–Feb 5 | 327 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 5 |
| Parsley | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 292 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 292 available after Feb 19. | Sep 15 |
| Celery | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 292 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 292 available after Feb 19. | Jul 27 |
| Scallions | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 9 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 1–Jan 15 | 355 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 1 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 15 | Feb 5–Feb 12 | 306 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 5 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 10 |
| Collards | Dec 4 | Jan 15–Jan 29 | 341 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 9 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 250 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 26. | Jul 27 |
| Chives | Nov 20 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 306 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 18–Mar 12 | 355 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 18 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Oregano | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 306 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 20 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 292 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 292 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Sage | Dec 18 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 306 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 4 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 306 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 306 available after Feb 19. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 1 | Jan 29–Feb 12 | 313 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 29 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 5 |
| Cosmos | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Lavender | Nov 20 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 313 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 1 | Feb 12–Feb 19 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 14 |
| Melons | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 250 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 250 available after Feb 26. | Jul 27 |
| Mint | — | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 313 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 313 available after Feb 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 19 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 19–Mar 5 | 271 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 271 available after Feb 19. | Aug 30 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 257 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 26. | Jul 29 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 278 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 278 available after Feb 12. | Aug 25 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 18 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 257 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 19. | Aug 6 |
| Watermelon | Jan 29 | Feb 19–Feb 26 | 257 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 257 available after Feb 19. | Aug 1 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 29 | Feb 26–Mar 5 | 264 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Zinnias | Jan 15 | Feb 12–Feb 26 | 278 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 12 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
Month by month in Surprise
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Calendula (Jan 1), Cauliflower (Jan 1), Marigolds (Jan 1), Pepper (Jan 1), Basil (Jan 8), Tomato (Jan 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 1), Cilantro (Jan 15), Turnip (Jan 15), Carrots (Jan 22), Potatoes (Jan 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 15), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 15), Cabbage (Jan 15), Collards (Jan 15), Kale (Jan 15), Lettuce (Jan 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 8). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 12), Beans (Feb 19), Pole Beans (Feb 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Feb 5), Cauliflower (Feb 5), Cosmos (Feb 12), Lavender (Feb 12), Marigolds (Feb 12), Mint (Feb 12), +24 more. Last frost around February 12. |
| March | Transplant from: Basil (Mar 5). |
| 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 19), Pumpkin (Jul 19), Cantaloupe (Jul 27), Celery (Jul 27), Melons (Jul 27), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 29). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Tomato (Aug 1), Watermelon (Aug 1), Pepper (Aug 6), Tomatillos (Aug 6), Eggplant (Aug 11), Corn (Aug 13), +3 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Basil (Sep 4), Cosmos (Sep 4), Cucumber (Sep 4), Zinnias (Sep 4), Broccoli (Sep 5), Nasturtiums (Sep 9), +13 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Oct 5), Cilantro (Oct 5), Collards (Oct 9), Scallions (Oct 9), Bok Choy (Oct 10), Lettuce (Oct 10), +6 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 20), Lavender (Nov 20), Onion (Nov 20), Rosemary (Nov 20). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 4), Collards (Dec 4), Kale (Dec 4), Oregano (Dec 4), Parsley (Dec 4), Scallions (Dec 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 1), Arugula (Dec 18), Beets (Dec 18), Dill (Dec 18), Peas (Dec 18), Radish (Dec 18), +1 more. First frost around December 1. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 22). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Surprise, AZ (ZIP 85388)?
The median last spring frost date for Surprise, AZ (ZIP code 85388) is around February 12. 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 January 17; one in ten it runs past March 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Surprise, AZ?
The median first fall frost date for Surprise, AZ is around December 1. 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 Surprise, AZ?
The frost-free growing season in Surprise is about 292 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 Surprise (292 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 Surprise, AZ?
Surprise, 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 Surprise, AZ?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 8 and plant out Feb 26 in Surprise. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Surprise?
Two: plant Jan 15 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8.
When do I plant garlic in Surprise?
Dec 1 to Dec 22; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Surprise?
Yes: plant out Feb 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 1 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
El Mirage (ZIP 85335) has 311 frost-free days, 19 more than Surprise (ZIP 85388). See El Mirage ZIP 85335 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Waddell, AZ 85355 (2.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Surprise, AZ 85374 (3.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Surprise, AZ 85379 (3.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 (6.2 mi)
- Frost dates for El Mirage, AZ 85335 (6.2 mi)
- When to plant in Surprise, 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