USDA Zone 9A
Zone 9A Planting Calendar — February 15 to December 2
Zone 9a covers the hot desert Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas) and mild coastal California — two very different growing environments in the same zone. Desert gardeners follow a mostly inverted calendar, growing October through May and resting during summer highs that regularly exceed 105°F. California 9a supports near year-round growing with strategic heat management.
Zone 9A at a glance: Last frost averages February 15 (range Jan 20–Mar 4). First fall frost averages December 2. Growing season is 290 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after February 15.
Last Spring Frost
February 15
Range: Jan 20 – Mar 4
First Fall Frost
December 2
Range: Nov 15 – Dec 19
Growing Season
290 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
20° to 25°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Phoenix, AZ
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
8"
Monsoon pattern
Zone 9A Planting Calendar — All Crops
Dates based on February 15 average last frost. Start indoors dates assume seed starting under grow lights or in a warm window. All dates are averages — adjust based on your specific microclimate and the current year's weather.
| Plant | Type | Start Indoors | Transplant / Direct Sow | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatsoi | tatsoi | Jan 4 | Jan 18 Transplant | Feb 12 – Mar 4 |
| Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion | root | Dec 14 | Jan 18 Transplant | May 3 – May 13 |
| Acorn Squash | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 6 – May 26 |
| Alexandria Alpine Strawberry | fruit | Jan 11 | Feb 22 Transplant | Jun 2 – Jun 22 |
| Armenian Cucumber | cucumber | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – May 3 |
| Astro Arugula | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 8 – Mar 27 |
| Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 26 – May 16 |
| Baby Cakes Blackberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Apr 23 |
| Bay Laurel | bay laurel | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Apr 23 – Feb 22 |
| Beauregard Sweet Potato | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | May 23 – Jun 7 |
| Bee Balm | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | — |
| Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs | fruit | Feb 1 | Feb 1 Transplant | Feb 1 – Jan 31 |
| Better Boy Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 3 – May 8 |
| Black Beauty Eggplant | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 1 – May 16 |
| Black Beauty Zucchini | vegetable | Jan 29 | Feb 26 Transplant | Apr 12 – Apr 22 |
| Black-Eyed Pea | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 21 – Apr 26 |
| Black-Eyed Susan | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | — |
| Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Blue Lake Bush Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 16 |
| Borage | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – May 1 |
| Brilliant Celeriac | celeriac | Jan 4 | Feb 15 Transplant | Jun 5 – Jun 15 |
| Buckwheat | cover crop | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 17 – Apr 1 |
| Butterhead Lettuce | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 21 |
| Calendula | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 16 |
| Calypso Cilantro | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 11 |
| Celebrity Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 15 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 3 – May 5 |
| Cherry Belle Radish | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Mar 15 – Mar 24 |
| Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 17 – Apr 6 |
| Chioggia Beet | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 18 – Apr 28 |
| Chives | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 1 |
| Clemson Spineless Okra | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – Apr 20 |
| Common Sage | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 1 – May 16 |
| Concord grape vines | fruit | Feb 1 | Feb 1 Transplant | Feb 1 |
| Contender Bush Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 11 |
| Cosmic Purple Carrot | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 21 – May 8 |
| Cosmos | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 26 – May 16 |
| Crimson Clover | cover crop | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 16 |
| Crimson Sweet Watermelon | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 6 – May 16 |
| Cupid Grape Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 28 – May 3 |
| Curly Kale | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – Apr 21 |
| Curly Parsley | herb | Jan 11 | Feb 15 Transplant | Apr 26 – May 6 |
| Daikon Radishes | daikon radish | Jan 25 | Feb 1 Transplant | Mar 18 – Mar 28 |
| Danvers Carrot | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | May 3 – May 13 |
| Delicata Squash | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 6 – May 26 |
| Detroit Dark Red Beet | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 18 – Apr 23 |
| Dill | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 27 – Apr 11 |
| Dragon Tongue Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – Apr 16 |
| Echinacea | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | — |
| Edamame | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 1 – May 21 |
| Eight Ball Zucchini | zucchini | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 8 – Apr 18 |
| Endive / Escarole | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 21 |
| English Lavender | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | — |
| English Lavender | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – Jun 15 |
| English Thyme | herb | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | May 3 – May 23 |
| Epazote | epazote | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 18 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Rutabagas | rutabaga | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 11 – May 26 |
| Fava Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 1 – May 26 |
| Flat-Leaf Parsley | herb | Jan 11 | Feb 15 Transplant | Apr 26 – May 16 |
| French Breakfast Radish | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| French Marigold | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 16 |
| French Tarragon | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 6 |
| Garlic Chives | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 1 |
| Georgia Southern Collard Greens | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 6 |
| German Chamomile | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – Apr 21 |
| Gold Rush Zucchini | zucchini | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 8 – Apr 13 |
| Golden Beet | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 18 – Apr 28 |
| Greek Oregano | herb | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Apr 23 – May 13 |
| Green Fingers Persian Cucumber | cucumber | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 18 – Apr 23 |
| Green Onion | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 16 |
| Green shiso leaves | shiso | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – May 3 |
| Heirloom Red Kuri Squash | winter squash | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 23 – Jun 2 |
| Herb Fennel | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – Apr 26 |
| Heritage Raspberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Apr 23 |
| Horseradish | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Jul 5 – Jul 25 |
| Imperial Star Artichoke | artichoke | Jan 11 | Feb 15 Transplant | May 16 – May 26 |
| Invicta gooseberry shrubs | fruit | Feb 1 | Feb 1 Transplant | Feb 1 |
| Isis Candy cherry tomatoes | tomato | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 13 – May 23 |
| Issai hardy kiwi vines | fruit | Feb 1 | Feb 1 Transplant | Jan 31 |
| Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – Jun 5 |
| Japanese Eggplant | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 21 |
| Jersey Knight Asparagus | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Feb 15 – Feb 14 |
| Juliet Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 22 – Apr 24 |
| Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes | tomato | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 8 – May 18 |
| Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 14 – Apr 26 |
| Lacinato Kale | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – Apr 21 |
| Leaf Lettuce Mix | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 11 |
| Leek | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 26 – Jun 25 |
| Lemon Balm | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 16 |
| Lemon Cucumber | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – Apr 26 |
| Lemon Verbena | lemon verbena | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | May 23 – Jun 22 |
| Lemongrass | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 1 – May 26 |
| Lima Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 6 |
| Mammoth Sunflower | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 21 – May 6 |
| Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes | tomato | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 18 – May 13 |
| Mesclun Mix | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 8 – Mar 17 |
| Mizuna | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 27 – Apr 6 |
| Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil | basil | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – May 3 |
| Mustard Greens | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 22 – Apr 6 |
| Mâche (Corn Salad) | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 10 |
| Nantes Carrot | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 25 – May 8 |
| Napa Cabbage | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 26 – May 16 |
| Nasturtium | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 21 |
| National Pickling Cucumber | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 14 |
| New Zealand Spinach | new zealand spinach | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 13 – Apr 23 |
| Orion Florence Fennel | fennel | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 13 – May 23 |
| Ozark Beauty Strawberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Apr 23 – May 23 |
| Parsnip | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Jun 2 – Jul 2 |
| Patio Princess Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 28 – May 3 |
| Patriot Blueberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Feb 21 |
| Pattypan Squash | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 3 – Apr 11 |
| Paul Robeson tomatoes | tomato | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 3 – May 18 |
| Peppermint | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 17 – Apr 1 |
| Popcorn | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 11 – Jun 15 |
| Provider Bush Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 11 |
| Pápalo leaves | papalo | Feb 8 | Feb 15 Transplant | Apr 26 – May 6 |
| Radicchio | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 11 |
| Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Apr 23 |
| Red Lake currant shrubs | fruit | Feb 1 | Feb 1 Transplant | Feb 1 – Jan 31 |
| Red Leaf Lettuce | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 11 |
| Red Pontiac Potato | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | May 23 – Jun 12 |
| Red Russian Kale | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 16 |
| Rhubarb | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Feb 15 |
| Romaine Lettuce | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 21 – May 1 |
| Roselle calyces and leaves | roselle | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Jul 22 – Aug 21 |
| Scarlet Runner Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – Apr 26 |
| Seascape Strawberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | May 8 – May 23 |
| Shallot | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – Jun 15 |
| Shelling Pea | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – Apr 26 |
| Silver Queen Sweet Corn | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – May 18 |
| Snow Pea | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 8 – Apr 26 |
| Softneck Garlic | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Oct 20 – Nov 19 |
| Spacemaster Bush Cucumber | cucumber | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – Apr 28 |
| Spaghetti Squash | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 14 – May 26 |
| Spearmint | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 17 – Apr 1 |
| Stevia | herb | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – Jun 15 |
| Straight Eight Cucumber | cucumber | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – Apr 28 |
| Sugar Pie Pumpkin | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 16 – Jun 5 |
| Sugar Snap Pea | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 11 – Apr 26 |
| Sun Gold Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 20 – Apr 28 |
| Sunshine Blue Blueberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Feb 21 |
| Sunshine Kabocha Squash | winter squash | Feb 8 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 28 – Jun 2 |
| Supersweet 100 Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – Apr 28 |
| Sweet 100 Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | Apr 23 – Apr 28 |
| Sweet Alyssum | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Mar 27 – Apr 11 |
| Sweet Marjoram | marjoram | Jan 25 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 8 – May 23 |
| Swiss Chard | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 16 |
| Tall Utah 52-70 Celery | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | May 26 – Jun 25 |
| Tomatillo | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 11 |
| Top Hat Blueberry | fruit | — | Feb 22 Plant Out | Feb 22 – Feb 21 |
| Turnip | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 13 – Apr 23 |
| Viola and pansy edible flowers | viola | Dec 28 | Feb 1 Transplant | Apr 2 – Apr 12 |
| Water spinach stems and leaves | water spinach | Feb 8 | Feb 15 Transplant | Mar 17 – Apr 1 |
| Watermelon Radish | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | Apr 13 – Apr 28 |
| Winner Kohlrabi | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 1 – Apr 6 |
| Yard Long Bean | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 16 |
| Yarrow | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | — |
| Yellow Crookneck Squash | vegetable | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 6 – Apr 16 |
| Yellow Pear Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Feb 22 Transplant | May 3 – May 11 |
| Yukon Gold Potato | root | — | Feb 22 Direct Sow | May 13 – Jun 2 |
| Zinnia | flower | — | Feb 15 Plant Out | Apr 16 – May 16 |
| Amish Paste Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 14 – May 25 |
| Anaheim Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 17 – May 25 |
| Anise hyssop leaves and flowers | anise hyssop | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 30 |
| Bachelor's button edible flowers | bachelors button | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 20 |
| Banana Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 7 – May 17 |
| Beefsteak Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – May 25 |
| Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 30 – Jun 29 |
| Big Jim Hatch Chile | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – May 15 |
| Bitter melons | bitter melon | Feb 15 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 30 |
| Black Cherry Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 4 – May 15 |
| Black Krim Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens | microgreen | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Mar 8 – Mar 13 |
| Brandywine Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – May 30 |
| Broccolini | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 20 – May 10 |
| Brussels Sprouts | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 25 – Jun 19 |
| Butternut Squash | vegetable | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 9 – Jun 29 |
| California Wonder Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 12 – May 15 |
| Cantaloupe | vegetable | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – May 30 |
| Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 4 – Jun 29 |
| Carolina Reaper peppers | hot pepper | Jan 18 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 30 – Jun 29 |
| Cayenne Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 25 – Jun 4 |
| Celeste Fig | fruit | — | Mar 1 Plant Out | Mar 1 – Feb 29 |
| Chayote squash | chayote | Mar 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 29 – Jul 29 |
| Cherokee Purple Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 18 – May 25 |
| Cherry Bomb peppers | hot pepper | Jan 18 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Chicago Hardy Fig | fruit | — | Mar 1 Plant Out | Mar 1 – Feb 29 |
| Corno di Toro Pepper | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Crosne tubers | crosne | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Aug 28 – Oct 7 |
| Cubanelle Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 9 – May 17 |
| Culinary Turmeric | turmeric | Feb 8 | Mar 8 Transplant | Nov 3 – Jan 2 |
| Datil peppers | hot pepper | Jan 18 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 30 – Jun 19 |
| Delica kabocha squash | kabocha | Feb 15 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 4 – Jun 19 |
| Early Girl Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 22 – May 2 |
| Elephant garlic bulbs | elephant garlic | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Aug 28 – Oct 27 |
| Fresno Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Genovese Basil | herb | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 10 |
| Ginger | ginger | Feb 8 | Mar 8 Transplant | Nov 3 – Jan 2 |
| Green Cabbage | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – Jun 9 |
| Green Zebra Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 18 |
| Habanero Pepper | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 8 Transplant | Jun 6 – Jul 6 |
| Hairy vetch cover crop stands | hairy vetch | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 30 |
| Honeydew Melon | vegetable | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 9 – Jun 24 |
| Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 5 – May 15 |
| Improved Meyer Lemon | fruit | — | Mar 1 Plant Out | Feb 29 – Feb 28 |
| Jacob's Cattle beans | dry bean | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – May 30 |
| Jalapeño Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 5 – May 15 |
| Jerusalem artichoke tubers | sunchoke | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 19 – Jul 29 |
| Jimmy Nardello Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 27 – Jun 6 |
| King Arthur Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 2 – May 8 |
| Luffa gourds | luffa | Feb 8 | Mar 1 Transplant | Jun 9 – Jun 29 |
| Lunchbox Mini Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 2 – May 7 |
| Marketmore 76 Cucumber | vegetable | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 28 – May 8 |
| Midnight Snack Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 5 – May 10 |
| Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – May 25 |
| Mountain Magic Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 12 – May 15 |
| Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 8 – May 10 |
| Nagami Kumquat | fruit | — | Mar 1 Plant Out | Feb 29 – Feb 28 |
| Nopales pads | nopales | Mar 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – Jun 29 |
| Padron Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 7 – May 12 |
| Phacelia cover crop and bee forage | phacelia | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 15 – Apr 30 |
| Pinkeye Purple Hull Pea | cowpea | Jan 4 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 25 – May 8 |
| Poblano Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 5 – May 15 |
| Potato onion clusters | potato onion | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 30 – Jun 29 |
| Purple Basil | herb | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – May 25 |
| Rambo Radish Microgreens | microgreen | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Mar 7 – Mar 11 |
| Red Cabbage | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – Jun 19 |
| Red-Stem Malabar Spinach | malabar spinach | Feb 8 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 25 – May 10 |
| Roma VF Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Romanesco | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – Jun 9 |
| Rosemary | herb | — | Mar 1 Plant Out | May 20 – Jun 9 |
| Rutgers Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – May 20 |
| San Marzano Tomatoes | tomato | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 18 – May 28 |
| Serrano Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – May 20 |
| Shishito Peppers | pepper | Feb 1 | Mar 8 Transplant | May 7 – May 12 |
| Signet marigold edible flowers | signet marigold | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 5 |
| Snow Crown Cauliflower | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 20 – Apr 30 |
| Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens | microgreen | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Mar 9 – Mar 15 |
| Sugar Baby Watermelon | vegetable | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 20 |
| Sweet Million Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 5 |
| Thai Basil | herb | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 30 – May 5 |
| Thai Hot Peppers | pepper | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 25 |
| Tiny Tim Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | Apr 15 – Apr 25 |
| Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers | hot pepper | Jan 18 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 20 – Jun 29 |
| Tumbling Tom Red Tomato | tomato | Feb 1 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 5 – May 10 |
| Waltham 29 Broccoli | vegetable | Jan 25 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 15 – May 30 |
| White clover living mulch | white clover | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | May 10 – May 30 |
| Winter rye cover crop stands | winter rye | Feb 22 | Mar 1 Transplant | Aug 28 – Oct 7 |
| Garlic | garlic | Aug 12 | Aug 19 Transplant | Apr 16 – May 16 |
Browse Zone 9A by Month
See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 9A.
Zone 9A Growing Tips
- Average last spring frost is February 15 and first fall frost is December 2 — these are the anchor dates your entire planting schedule is built around.
- EXTREME heat is the dominant challenge. Highs regularly exceed 110°F June-August. Most gardening happens Oct-May (reversed calendar).
- Extremely dry except for July-August monsoon. ALL water comes from irrigation outside monsoon season.
- Disease pressure in this zone is low. Primary risks include powdery mildew, root knot nematode, curly top virus. Proper plant spacing, air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering significantly reduce disease incidence.
- Fall cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes) should go in the ground between October 1 and November 15 for harvest before hard frost arrives.
States in Zone 9A
Zone 9A spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.
Texas (south central)
Florida (central)
California (Los Angeles basin, Sacramento valley)
Arizona (Phoenix metro)
New Mexico (south)
Get Your Personalized Zone 9A Calendar
SoilStack generates a custom planting schedule from your exact ZIP code — not just your zone. Enter your address and get a day-by-day calendar with task reminders.
Build My Garden Calendar — FreeFrost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals via NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals, NWS Phoenix (PSR). Growing season data from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.