What hardiness zone is Austin?

Austin sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a, based on an average annual extreme low near 20°F (-6°C). See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/austin/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

When is the last frost in Austin?

On average the last spring frost in Austin falls around February 13 and the first fall frost around December 6, giving roughly 296 frost-free days. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/austin/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What can I grow in Austin?

Austin's climate suits 214+ plants including Acorn Squash, Alfalfa, Amaranth Greens, Anaheim, Anise Hyssop, Artichoke, Arugula, Austrian Winter Pea. Vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers all do well in USDA zone 9a. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/austin/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What is easy to grow for beginners in Austin?

Good beginner crops for Austin include Arugula, Austrian Winter Pea, Beet, Blanket Flower, Bok Choy, Borage — hardy, quick to mature, and sown straight into the ground. See the full guide at https://g4rden.com/grow/austin/, or start a garden in the planner at https://g4rden.com/app/ (set your location there).

What to grow in Austin

A local planting guide for Texas, United States — USDA zone 9a, average frost dates, and the vegetables, herbs and flowers that thrive here.

Austin climate at a glance

Decoded from long-run climate normals for Austin's location. Use it as a starting point — your own garden's aspect, walls and soil shift these by a week or two.

USDA hardiness zone

Zone 9a

Average winter low

6°C (43°F)

Average summer high

35°C (95°F)

Last spring frost

February 13 (avg)

First fall frost

December 6 (avg)

Frost-free growing season

~296 days

Annual rainfall

900 mm/yr (35 in)

Hot days (≥30°C) per year

~138 days

Best plants for Austin

214 plants in the library suit USDA zone 9a. Tap any one for its sowing calendar, spacing and companions.

Easy starter picks for Austin

New to growing? These are forgiving, fast, and can go straight into the ground — a good first season in USDA zone 9a.

Arugula Austrian Winter Pea Beet Blanket Flower Bok Choy Borage Broccoli Raab Calendula Carrot Catnip

Plan your Austin garden →

What to grow in Austin

Austin climate at a glance

Best plants for Austin

Vegetables 126

Herbs 37

Fruit & Berries 12

Flowers 20

Natives 10

Cover Crops 8

Easy starter picks for Austin