Frost Dates for Houston, TX 77018
Houston has 97 ZIP codes. The Houston, TX frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 15 · First fall frost December 10 · 298 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
Frost probability for 77018
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 15 | January 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 10 | December 10 | January 22 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (32.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Houston
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| February | Last frost around February 15. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| 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 | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 10). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | First frost around December 10. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
What grows in a 298-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Houston, TX (ZIP 77018)?
The median last spring frost date for Houston, TX (ZIP code 77018) is around February 15. 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 Houston, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Houston, TX is around December 10. 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 Houston, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Houston is about 298 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 Houston, TX?
Based on frost date patterns, Houston falls approximately in 9b. 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 Houston, TX?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 15). For Houston, that's roughly December 21 to January 4. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
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- Look up another ZIP