Frost Dates for Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Last spring frost April 9 · First fall frost November 3 · 208 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 86326

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 1April 9March 19
Fall (first frost)October 21November 3November 17

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (10.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Month by month in Cottonwood

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 9). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 9. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 3). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 3. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 208-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Cottonwood, AZ (ZIP 86326)?

The median last spring frost date for Cottonwood, AZ (ZIP code 86326) is around April 9. 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 Cottonwood, AZ?

The median first fall frost date for Cottonwood, AZ is around November 3. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Cottonwood, AZ?

The frost-free growing season in Cottonwood is about 208 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.

What USDA hardiness zone is Cottonwood, AZ?

Based on frost date patterns, Cottonwood falls approximately in 8b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Cottonwood, AZ?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 9). For Cottonwood, that's roughly February 13 to February 27. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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