Salt Flat, TX frost dates
How Salt Flat compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Salt Flat falls between April 2 and May 1, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 11 and November 6.
- The median last frost is 33 days later than the Texas median of Mar 15.
- Its 191-day growing season is among the shortest of the 1,316 Texas places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 19 days later than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 102 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with El Paso, TX, 107 km away, the last frost here is 46 days later than there and the growing season is 72 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 2 |
| 50% (median) | April 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 11 |
| 50% (median) | October 25 |
| 90% (late) | November 6 |
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 Salt Flat, TX
Salt Flat, TX frost dates — last frost Apr 17, first frost Oct 25, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Salt Flat, TX
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 20 – Apr 24 | Aug 30 – Sep 27 |
| Kale | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cabbage | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Okra | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 22 | May 8 – May 22 | — |
| Basil | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 6 – Mar 27 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 6 – Mar 27 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 24 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 1 – May 22 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 11 – Nov 15 |
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 Dell City 5ssw, TX weather station, 10 km away (elevation 3,707 ft (1,130 m)).
Frost dates near Salt Flat
- Dell City Apr 17 · Oct 25
- Sierra Blanca Mar 29 · Nov 6
- Fort Hancock Mar 29 · Nov 6
- Tornillo Mar 21 · Nov 6
- Van Horn Mar 21 · Nov 11
- Fabens Mar 21 · Nov 6
- Clint Mar 21 · Nov 6
- San Elizario Mar 21 · Nov 6
- El Paso Mar 2 · Nov 20
- Fort Bliss Mar 2 · Nov 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Salt Flat, TX?
The median last spring frost in Salt Flat, TX is April 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 1, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Salt Flat, TX?
The median first fall frost is October 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 11.
How long is the growing season in Salt Flat, TX?
About 191 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Salt Flat, TX?
Salt Flat, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.