Van Horn, TX frost dates
How Van Horn compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Van Horn falls between March 2 and April 9, a 38-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 27 and November 24.
- The median last frost is 6 days later than the Texas median of Mar 15.
- Its 235-day growing season is longer than 31% of the 1,316 Texas places with a regular frost season (state median 245 days).
- The last frost is 8 days earlier 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 70 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 2 |
| 50% (median) | March 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 27 |
| 50% (median) | November 11 |
| 90% (late) | November 24 |
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 Van Horn, TX
Van Horn, TX frost dates — last frost Mar 21, first frost Nov 11, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Van Horn, TX
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 27 – Jan 10 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Feb 21 – Mar 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 14 |
| Kale | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Broccoli | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cabbage | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Okra | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Basil | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 14 – Mar 28 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 4 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 28 – Dec 2 |
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 Van Horn, TX weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 4,065 ft (1,239 m)).
Frost dates near Van Horn
- Sierra Blanca Mar 29 · Nov 6
- Valentine Apr 11 · Oct 30
- Salt Flat Apr 17 · Oct 25
- Fort Davis Apr 5 · Nov 1
- Toyahvale Mar 29 · Nov 9
- Toyah Mar 18 · Nov 10
- Fort Hancock Mar 29 · Nov 6
- Balmorhea Mar 29 · Nov 9
- Dell City Apr 17 · Oct 25
- Marfa Apr 14 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Van Horn, TX?
The median last spring frost in Van Horn, TX is March 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Van Horn, TX?
The median first fall frost is November 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 27.
How long is the growing season in Van Horn, TX?
About 235 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Van Horn, TX?
Van Horn, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.