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When to plant in Arizona really depends on where you live in the state and what you’re hoping to grow.
Arizona’s planting calendar is unique because we have such extreme temperature swings between our low deserts and our high mountain areas.
The best time to plant in Arizona is typically split into two main growing seasons: the cool season and the warm season.
Cool-season crops like lettuce, broccoli, and carrots love our mild winters, so you’ll usually plant those in late summer or early fall.
Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash need the heat, so you’ll plant those after the last frost in late winter or early spring.
In this post, we’ll break down the best times to plant in Arizona by region, by season, and by specific crop types.
Let’s dig into the dirt and figure out your perfect planting schedule.
When to Plant in Arizona: The Two Main Growing Seasons
When to plant in Arizona comes down to understanding our two distinct growing seasons.
Unlike many other states, Arizona gardeners don’t just plant everything in spring and call it done.
We have a cool season and a warm season, and knowing which one you’re in is the secret to a thriving garden.
1. The Cool Season: Fall and Winter Planting
The cool season in Arizona typically runs from October through March in the low deserts.
This is when to plant in Arizona for things like leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas.
You’ll want to get your cool-season seeds in the ground between September and November for a winter harvest.
In higher elevations, you might start even earlier, around August, because your first frost comes sooner.
Cool-season vegetables that thrive include lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, beets, and peas.
These crops actually prefer the cooler temperatures and will bolt or turn bitter if it gets too hot.
So if you’re wondering when to plant in Arizona for a winter salad garden, late September is your sweet spot in the desert.
2. The Warm Season: Spring and Summer Planting
The warm season in Arizona is all about heat-loving crops, and it starts earlier than you might think.
When to plant in Arizona for tomatoes, peppers, and melons is typically February through April in the low desert.
You need to wait until the danger of frost has passed, which is usually around mid-February in Phoenix and Tucson.
In cooler mountain towns like Flagstaff, you might wait until May or even June.
Warm-season crops love the intense sun and long days, but they can also struggle with our brutal summer heat.
That’s why many Arizona gardeners plant early in the warm season to get a harvest before the scorching June and July temperatures.
If you’re asking when to plant in Arizona for summer squash, aim for a March planting in the low desert.
When to Plant in Arizona by Region
When to plant in Arizona isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because our state has wildly different climates.
The USDA hardiness zones in Arizona range from 4b in the mountains to 10a in the lowest desert areas.
That means your planting dates will shift depending on whether you’re in the low desert, mid-elevation, or high country.
1. Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma)
In the low desert, you have the longest growing season in Arizona, with very mild winters.
You can plant something almost every month of the year, so knowing when to plant in Arizona here means staying on a tight schedule.
For cool-season crops, start seeds in September and transplant in October for a winter harvest.
For warm-season crops, plant as early as February, but be ready to protect young plants if a late frost sneaks in.
You can also do a second warm-season planting in July for a fall crop of beans or squash.
2. Mid-Elevation (Prescott, Sedona, Payson)
Mid-elevation areas experience more distinct seasons with colder winters and milder summers.
When to plant in Arizona here shifts a bit later for warm-season crops and a bit earlier for cool-season ones.
You’ll want to start cool-season seeds in August, and warm-season planting can begin around April.
Your last frost date hits later, so tomatoes and peppers shouldn’t go in the ground until late April or early May.
3. High Desert and Mountains (Flagstaff, Show Low)
In the high country, the growing season is much shorter, and frost can happen even in June.
When to plant in Arizona up here means waiting until late May or early June for warm-season crops.
Cool-season crops can go in the ground in April, but you’ll harvest by early summer before the heat kicks in.
You might only get one solid growing season, so planning your timing is absolutely critical.
When to Plant in Arizona for Specific Crops
When to plant in Arizona varies by crop, so let’s break down the most popular garden favorites.
If you know the perfect timing for each vegetable, you’ll avoid the disappointment of plants that never produce.
1. Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers are warm-season staples, and when to plant in Arizona for these is all about soil temperature.
You want the soil to be at least 60°F, which happens in February in the low desert and April in higher areas.
Plant transplants after the last frost, and you’ll get a great harvest by late spring.
2. Lettuce and Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are cool-season champs, and when to plant in Arizona for these is late summer through early winter.
Sow seeds directly in the ground in October for a steady supply of salads all winter long.
They’ll bolt once temperatures exceed 80°F, so enjoy them before the heat arrives.
3. Carrots and Root Vegetables
Root veggies like carrots, beets, and radishes love our cooler months.
When to plant in Arizona for these is September through January in the low desert.
Sow seeds directly into loose soil, and you’ll have sweet, tender roots by winter.
4. Squash and Melons
Squash and melons are heat lovers, so when to plant in Arizona for these is early spring.
Plant seeds in March in the low desert, and they’ll thrive as the days get longer.
Just keep them well-watered during our dry spring months.
So, When to Plant in Arizona for the Best Results?
When to plant in Arizona comes down to knowing your region and your crop type.
The best time to plant in Arizona is during the cool season for leafy greens and root veggies, and during the warm season for tomatoes and squash.
If you live in the low desert, you’re lucky to have nearly year-round growing opportunities.
If you’re in the mountains, you’ll need to be more strategic with your shorter window.
Start with a simple planting calendar based on your zip code, and adjust based on the weather each year.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with when to plant in Arizona because the rewards of a homegrown harvest are totally worth it.
Check your local extension office for specific dates, and you’ll be eating fresh veggies from your garden before you know it.
Happy planting, Arizona gardeners.