When is the last frost date in Zone 9a?

The average last frost date in Zone 9a is around January 30. Always check your local weather forecast before transplanting.

What tomatoes grow best in Zone 9a?

In Zone 9a, recommended tomato varieties include Heatwave II, Phoenix, Solar Flare. Start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

When should I start seeds indoors in Zone 9a?

For Zone 9a, start warm-season seeds like tomatoes and peppers indoors 6-10 weeks before your last frost date (around January 30). Cool-season crops can be started 4-6 weeks earlier.

How long is the growing season in Zone 9a?

Zone 9a has approximately 319 frost-free growing days per year, from approximately January 30 to December 15.

Zone 9a Planting Calendar 2026Complete Seed Starting Schedule

Zone 9a is a nearly frost-free zone with a 320-day growing season. Cool-season crops are best grown in fall and winter, while heat-tolerant crops like okra, peppers, and sweet potatoes dominate the long summer. Includes Phoenix, parts of LA, and Houston.

Cities: Phoenix AZ, Los Angeles (inland), Houston (south), Tucson AZ...

Last Frost

January 30

First Fall Frost

December 15

Growing Season

319 days

2026 Monthly Planting Schedule

Your month-by-month guide for Zone 9a

1January

🌱 Indoors: Start tomatoes, peppers January

🌍 Direct: Plant tomatoes, peppers directly Jan 15+

☀️ Notes: Plant warm-season crops early

2February

🌱 Indoors: Start squash, cucumbers Feb

🌍 Direct: Plant all warm season directly

☀️ Notes: Main planting window for spring

3March

🌱 Indoors: Finish summer seedlings

🌍 Direct: Plant beans, corn directly

☀️ Notes: Transplant seedlings, very active

4April

🌱 Indoors: Start fall brassicas for fall

🌍 Direct: Succession plant warm season

☀️ Notes: Begin shading for cool crops

5May

🌍 Direct: Plant heat-loving crops

☀️ Notes: Focus on heat management, mulch

6June

🌍 Direct: Plant okra, southern peas

☀️ Notes: Use shade cloth, water deeply

7July

🌱 Indoors: Start fall tomato seeds July

🌍 Direct: Plant fall vegetables late July

☀️ Notes: Summer slump - plant fall garden

8August

🌱 Indoors: Start fall brassicas August

🌍 Direct: Plant fall greens

☀️ Notes: Fall planting begins, cooler coming

9September

🌍 Direct: Plant garlic for next year

☀️ Notes: Best planting season - fall garden

10October

🌍 Direct: Continue fall planting

☀️ Notes: Plant garlic, prepare beds

Recommended Varieties for Zone 9a

Top-performing varieties adapted to your zone

tomato

Heatwave IIPhoenixSolar FlareTropical

pepper

JalapenoSerranoThai DragonScotch Bonnet

okra

Clemson SpinelessEmeraldLouisiana Long Green

melon

Sugar BabyCrimson SweetMoon & Stars

eggplant

IchibanGraffitiThai Green

Best Crops for Zone 9a

Top performers in your zone's climate

PepperTomatoOkraSweet PotatoEggplant

💡 Zone Tip: In Zone 9a, plant tomatoes in late January or February to harvest before summer heat sets in. Focus on fall/winter for cool crops.

Major Cities in Zone 9a

These areas share your hardiness zone

Phoenix AZLos Angeles (inland)Houston (south)Tucson AZBakersfield CALas Vegas NVSan Jose CA

Zone 9a on the Map

Cities in your zone are highlighted. Click any marker to explore neighboring zone calendars.

Calculate Your 2026 Schedule

Neighboring Zones

Zone 8b Zone 9b Zone 10a

📖 Deep Dive Guide

Read: Complete Planting Guide for Zone 9 →

Looking for a different zone?

Browse All 17 USDA Hardiness Zones →