Fall in zone 9bPhoto: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frost dates for ZIP 78406 (Corpus Christi, TX)
Average last spring and first fall frost dates with 10%, 50% and 90% odds, from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the nearest weather station, Corpus Christi NWS, TX (1 miles away).
Freezes are uncommon here
NOAA's normals for this station show a 32°F night in about 88% of years (about 4 freezing night(s) a year on average). The dates below describe freeze timing for the station's record; in many years there may be no 32°F freeze at all.
- Average last spring frostJan 3150% chance of a 32°F freeze after this date
- Average first fall frostDec 2250% chance of a 32°F freeze by this date
- Growing season (frost-free)331 daysmedian, 32°F threshold
- USDA hardiness zone9b25 to 30°F avg. coldest night
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This week in your yard
As of Oct 18, 2026, from your frost dates, zone and soil temperature. Lawn timing · Vegetables · Pruning · Plants
Freezes are uncommon here, so frost-based timing is rough. Local extension calendars for frost-free areas use months.
Soil temperature now
2-inch depth
75°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 71°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of RB Farms Inc (24 mi), Kingsville (27 mi), LaRosa Ranch Refugio (38 mi).
4-inch depth
76°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 74°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of RB Farms Inc (24 mi), Kingsville (27 mi), LaRosa Ranch Refugio (38 mi).
Fall: Texas A&M AgriLife times fall pre-emergent (for winter weeds such as annual bluegrass) to soil cooling to about 70°F for several days. The 50–55°F band is the spring trigger. Always read and follow the product label.
7-day forecast and frost risk
The latest National Weather Service 7-day forecast and any Frost Advisory or Freeze Warning for 78406 load here. You can also open the NWS forecast for this ZIP.
Pre-emergent
Soil is 76°F at 4 inches (estimated soil temperature, not a station reading). Fall pre-emergent (annual bluegrass, winter weeds): not yet. Apply as soil cools toward 70°F (typically October to early November).
Fertilizer window
Lawn region: Gulf Coast and peninsular Florida. Timing only; always follow the product label.
- St. Augustinegrass (warm-season): Spring: About 2–3 weeks after full green-up (May in the Carolinas; earlier in Florida and south Texas) (about Mar 11 here, using green-up about 3–4 weeks after your average last frost); Summer: Light feedings June–August where local rules allow; Last: No later than about mid-September in the Carolinas, about 6–8 weeks before first frost elsewhere. Avoid: Feeding before green-up or late in fall (feeds weeds and favors large patch and cold injury).
Plant now
- Lettuce: fall sowing Oct 13–Nov 10
- Kale: fall transplant Sep 29–Oct 27
- Collards: fall transplant Sep 29–Oct 27
- Kohlrabi: fall sowing Oct 13–27
- Swiss chard: fall sowing Oct 13–27
- Beet: fall sowing Oct 13–27
- Turnip: fall sowing Oct 13–27
- Green onion / scallion: fall sowing Oct 13–27
- Strawberry (plants): fall transplant Oct 13–Nov 10
Coming up in the next 3 weeks
- Lettuce: fall transplant Oct 27–Nov 17
- Spinach: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 17
- Brussels sprouts: start seeds indoors Nov 8–22
- Bok choy / Asian greens: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 10
- Arugula: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 24
- Mustard greens: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 10
- Onion (bulbing): start seeds indoors Nov 8–22
- Leek: start seeds indoors Nov 8–22
- Celery: start seeds indoors Nov 8–22
- Cilantro: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 10
- Dill: fall sowing Oct 27–Nov 10
Prune now
No frost-timed pruning windows are open this week.
Spring-flowering shrubs are pruned right after their flowers fade, not by date. See the pruning guide.
Last spring frost odds
| Chance of a 32°F freeze after this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early: most years still freeze after this) | Dec 24 (prior Dec) |
| 50% (the "average" last frost) | Jan 31 |
| 10% (cautious: only 1 year in 10 freezes later) | Mar 2 |
Most gardeners plant frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) after the 50% date, and closer to the 10% date for less risk.
First fall frost odds
| Chance the first 32°F freeze has happened by this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early: 1 year in 10 freezes this soon) | Nov 29 |
| 50% (the "average" first frost) | Dec 22 |
| 90% (late: most years have frozen by now) | Feb 1 (next year) |
Light frost, freeze and hard freeze
| Threshold | Last spring (50%) | First fall (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| 36°F (light frost possible on clear, calm nights) | Feb 18 | Dec 7 |
| 32°F (freeze) | Jan 31 | Dec 22 |
| 28°F (hard freeze) | Jan 11 | Jan 1 (next year) |
n/a means NOAA did not publish a date at that threshold for this station (usually because it rarely gets that cold).
Vegetable planting calendar for 78406
Dates count from your average last spring frost (Jan 31) and first fall frost (Dec 22). Half of years have a frost after the spring date, so give tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) some slack.
| Crop | Start indoors | Spring planting | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Dec 6–20 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) | Aug 25–Sep 22 (transplant) |
| Pepper (sweet and hot) | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Feb 14–28 (transplant) | Sep 1–22 (transplant) |
| Eggplant | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Feb 14–28 (transplant) | Sep 1–22 (transplant) |
| Tomatillo | Dec 6–20 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) | – |
| Lettuce | Dec 6–20 | Jan 10–31 (transplant) Jan 3–Feb 14 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 17 (transplant) Oct 13–Nov 10 (sowing) |
| Spinach | – | Dec 20–Jan 10 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 17 (sowing) |
| Kale | Dec 6–20 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) Jan 3–17 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 27 (transplant) Sep 15–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Collards | Dec 6–20 | Jan 3–31 (transplant) Jan 3–31 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 27 (transplant) Sep 15–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Broccoli | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | Sep 15–Oct 13 (transplant) |
| Cabbage | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | Sep 15–Oct 13 (transplant) |
| Cauliflower | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Jan 17–31 (transplant) | Sep 15–Oct 13 (transplant) |
| Brussels sprouts | Nov 8–22 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | Sep 1–22 (transplant) |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 6–20 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) Jan 3–17 (sow outdoors) | Oct 13–27 (sowing) |
| Bok choy / Asian greens | – | Jan 3–17 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 10 (sowing) |
| Arugula | – | Jan 3–31 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 24 (sowing) |
| Mustard greens | – | Jan 3–24 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 10 (sowing) |
| Swiss chard | Dec 20–Jan 3 | Jan 17–Feb 7 (transplant) Jan 17–Feb 14 (sow outdoors) | Oct 13–27 (sowing) |
| Beet | – | Jan 3–31 (sow outdoors) | Oct 13–27 (sowing) |
| Carrot | – | Jan 10–Feb 7 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Radish | – | Dec 27–Feb 7 (sow outdoors) | Nov 10–24 (sowing) |
| Turnip | – | Jan 3–24 (sow outdoors) | Oct 13–27 (sowing) |
| Parsnip | – | Jan 10–31 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pea (garden, snap, snow) | – | Dec 6–Jan 3 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Onion (bulbing) | Nov 8–22 | Dec 20–Jan 3 (transplant) | – |
| Green onion / scallion | – | Dec 20–Jan 17 (sow outdoors) | Oct 13–27 (sowing) |
| Leek | Nov 8–22 | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | – |
| Garlic | – | – | Nov 10–Dec 8 (sowing) |
| Shallot | – | Dec 20–Jan 3 (transplant) | Nov 10–Dec 8 (sowing) |
| Potato | – | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | Sep 1–15 (transplant) |
| Sweet potato | – | Feb 21–Mar 7 (transplant) | – |
| Sweet corn | – | Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Bean, bush (snap) | – | Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Bean, pole | – | Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Lima bean | – | Feb 14–28 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Southern pea (cowpea, black-eyed pea) | – | Feb 21–Mar 14 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cucumber | Jan 3–10 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Summer squash / zucchini | Jan 3–10 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Sep 29–Oct 13 (sowing) |
| Winter squash | Jan 3–10 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pumpkin | – | Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Watermelon | Jan 3–10 | Feb 14–28 (transplant) Feb 14–28 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cantaloupe / muskmelon | Jan 3–10 | Feb 14–28 (transplant) Feb 14–28 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Okra | Dec 20–Jan 3 | Feb 14–28 (transplant) Feb 14–28 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Celery | Nov 8–22 | Feb 7–14 (transplant) | – |
| Basil | Dec 20–Jan 3 | Feb 7–21 (transplant) Feb 7–21 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cilantro | – | Jan 17–Feb 14 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 10 (sowing) |
| Parsley | Nov 22–Dec 6 | Jan 17–31 (transplant) Jan 10–31 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Dill | – | Jan 31–Feb 14 (sow outdoors) | Oct 27–Nov 10 (sowing) |
| Sunflower | – | Jan 31–Feb 14 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Asparagus (crowns) | – | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | – |
| Rhubarb (crowns) | – | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | – |
| Strawberry (plants) | – | Jan 3–17 (transplant) | Oct 13–Nov 10 (transplant) |
Typical ranges from university extension planting calendars, adjusted to your frost dates. Probabilities, not guarantees. Fall windows that would overlap spring planting are left out, as are fall crops of frost-tender plants where the frost-free season is under 210 days.
Plants that do well here
Texas A&M AgriLife trials name plants that handle Texas conditions: the Texas Superstar® list and the low-care roses from AgriLife trials. Plant frost-tender annuals after January 31 here (the average last frost). More on plants for Texas. Not affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife.
Where these numbers come from
Station: Corpus Christi NWS, TX (NOAA GHCN-Daily ID USC00412011), elevation 44 ft, 0.8 miles from the ZIP's center point. NOAA completeness flag: R (representative, 10+ years).
Nearby stations
| Station | Distance | Last frost (50%) | First frost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi, TX | 1 mi | Jan 28 | Dec 21 |
| Corpus Christi Cabaniss Fld, TX | 7 mi | Jan 15 | Dec 30 |
| Robstown, TX | 9 mi | Jan 26 | Dec 24 |
The average last-frost dates of these stations span 16 days, a rough guide to local variation. See data sources & methods.
Frost questions for 78406
When is the last frost in 78406?
The average (50% chance) last spring freeze of 32°F for ZIP 78406 is January 31. For a more cautious planting date, use March 2, when only 1 year in 10 still sees a later freeze.
When is the first frost in 78406?
The average first fall freeze is December 22. In 1 year in 10 it comes by November 29.
What hardiness zone is 78406?
ZIP 78406 is in USDA zone 9b (25 to 30°F average coldest winter night), per the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP listing.
What is the soil temperature in 78406 right now?
This page shows the latest 2-inch and 4-inch soil temperature from the nearest public soil station (USDA SCAN, NOAA USCRN or TexMesonet), or a labeled estimate when no station is close, against the 50–55°F spring pre-emergent band.
Nearby ZIP codes
78417 Corpus Christi 78409 Corpus Christi 78405 Corpus Christi 78408 Corpus Christi 78407 Corpus Christi 78416 Corpus Christi 78410 Corpus Christi 78404 Corpus Christi
Other ZIP codes in Nueces County
78330 78339 78343 78347 78351 78373 78380 78401 78402 78404 78405 78407 78408 78409 78410 78411 78412 78413 78414 78415 78416 78417 78419 All Nueces County frost dates · Texas frost dates
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Free. One weekly email plus alerts when your ZIP has a frost or a soil-temperature change worth acting on. After you submit, Kit (our email provider) sends a confirmation email: check your email and click the link to confirm. You aren't subscribed until you do. We collect only your email address and ZIP, sent to Kit to deliver The Dial. Unsubscribe anytime.