Frost Dates for Lancaster, TX

In Lancaster, TX, the average last spring frost is around Mar 12 and the average first fall frost around Nov 19, for a growing season of about 253 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 31, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 1250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMar 31only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1950% chance of frost before this date
Growing season253 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Ferris, TX weather station, 8 miles away, elevation 470 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Mar 31Nov 2
20%Mar 25Nov 7
30%Mar 20Nov 11
40%Mar 16Nov 15
50%Mar 12Nov 19
60%Mar 8Nov 22
70%Mar 4Nov 27
80%Feb 28Dec 1
90%Feb 21Dec 6

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Mar 26Nov 8
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 12Nov 19
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 1Dec 1

Planting calendar for Lancaster

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Peppers
Indoors Jan 1 – Jan 15
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 1 – Jan 15
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Basil
Indoors Jan 29 – Feb 12
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 12 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 12 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 19 – Apr 2
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 12 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Green beans
Sow Mar 19 – Apr 2
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 19 – Apr 2
Lettuce
Indoors Jan 29 – Feb 12
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 22
Spinach
Sow Jan 29 – Feb 19
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 15
Peas
Sow Jan 29 – Feb 12
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Sep 24
Kale
Indoors Jan 15 – Jan 29
Sow or transplant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Oct 8
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Feb 26 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 10
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 15 – Jan 29
Transplant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 10
Carrots
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 10
Radishes
Sow Feb 5 – Feb 26
Fall sowing Oct 8 – Oct 29
Beets
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Sep 24
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 18 – Jan 1
Plant Feb 12 – Feb 26
Potatoes
Plant Feb 19 – Mar 5
Garlic
Plant Nov 19 – Dec 17

Based on the average last frost (Mar 12) and first frost (Nov 19). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

DeSotoDuncanvilleCedar HillBalch SpringsDallasWaxahachieMidlothianGrand PrairieAll Texas towns