When to plant in Houston, TX
USDA Zone 9bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Houston, Texas — all computed from Houston's nearest NOAA weather station.
Houston enjoys a long ~326-day frost-free season — you can succession-sow, fit in a second crop, and grow long-season heat-lovers with room to spare. In zone 9b, frost is a minor factor for Houston — most perennials thrive, and annual vegetables can go out early and stay late.
Frost probability
HOUSTON-PORT · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Houston’s own odds, recorded at HOUSTON-PORT.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 16 | Feb 24 | Jan 22 | Nov 12 | Dec 2 | Jan 1 |
| 32°F | Mar 5 | Feb 2 | Dec 31 | Nov 27 | Dec 25 | Jan 21 |
| 28°F | Feb 25 | Jan 23 | Dec 24 | Dec 8 | Jan 5 | Feb 9 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Nothing new to sow or transplant outdoors in the next few weeks — a seasonal lull. Check the full-year calendar below for the next window.
Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Houston, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 22 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Houston planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Houston, TX?
On average, the last spring frost in Houston is around February 2 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Houston, TX?
The first fall frost in Houston typically arrives around December 25 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Houston in?
Houston is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. In zone 9b, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Houston?
Houston has about 326 frost-free days — a long growing season — between the average last spring frost (February 2) and first fall frost (December 25).
When should I plant tomatoes in Houston?
For Houston, sow tomatoes indoors about December 8–December 22 and move the seedlings out around February 9, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Houston
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Houston’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- West University Place · 9 km
- Bellaire · 11 km
- Aldine · 14 km
- Galena Park · 16 km
- Cloverleaf · 21 km
- South Houston · 21 km
- Stafford · 25 km
- Humble · 26 km
Frost dates recorded at HOUSTON-PORT, 11 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Houston, TX — Frost Dates & Zone 9b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00414326. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/texas/houston.