Texas Planting Guide & Growing Season
Texas is in USDA hardiness zone 6b-10a with a growing season of 260 days. The average last spring frost is Mar 1 and the average first fall frost is Nov 15.
Growing Conditions in Texas
How Texas Compares
Compare Texas's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | 6b-10a | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Texas
When should I start seeds indoors in Texas?
In Texas, the average last frost date is Mar 1. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Texas is 6b-10a, with a growing season of approximately 260 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Texas?
Texas falls in USDA hardiness zones 6b-10a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Texas?
The average first frost date in Texas is Nov 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Texas?
Texas has an average growing season of 260 days, from the last frost (Mar 1) to first frost (Nov 15). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.