Tortilla Flat, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Tortilla Flat compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tortilla Flat fall between December 24 and January 29. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 3, or the last frost as late as February 23.
- Compared with Mesa, AZ, 38 km away, the last frost here is 3 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 3 |
| 50% (median) | December 24 |
| 90% (late) | January 28 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Tortilla Flat, AZ
Tortilla Flat, AZ frost dates — last frost Jan 29, first frost Dec 24, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Tortilla Flat, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 6 – Nov 20 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 – Dec 4 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 1 – Feb 5 | Oct 29 – Nov 26 |
| Kale | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Okra | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — |
| Basil | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 18 – Jan 8 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 25 – Feb 5 | Nov 12 – Dec 3 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 19 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 10 – Jan 14 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Mormon Flat, AZ weather station, 6 km away (elevation 1,706 ft (520 m)).
Frost dates near Tortilla Flat
- Apache Junction Feb 11 · Dec 10
- Gold Canyon Feb 11 · Dec 10
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Tonto Basin Mar 7 · Nov 20
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Superior Jan 18 · Dec 28
- Higley Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Queen Creek Feb 1 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tortilla Flat, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tortilla Flat, AZ is January 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Tortilla Flat, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 24, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 3.
How long is the growing season in Tortilla Flat, AZ?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tortilla Flat, AZ?
Tortilla Flat, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.