When should I plant zucchini in ZIP 78701?

In ZIP 78701, the main zucchini target is around Mar 15, based on the representative Austin frost station and USDA zone 8b.

When should I start zucchini seeds indoors in 78701?

Start zucchini seeds indoors in ZIP 78701 around Feb 12, about 21 days before the Mar 5 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 78701 planting calendar

When to plant zucchini in Austin, TX - Zone 8b

Q: When is the first frost in Austin?

Austin (ZIP 78701) has an average first fall frost around Nov 20, leaving about 260 frost-free days.

In ZIP 78701, plant zucchini around Mar 15; this uses the Austin frost station, USDA zone 8b, and zucchini timing rules.

Your Austin calendar has a 260-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Austin frost station, USDA zone 8b, and zucchini timing rules.

Source: austin-bergstrom frost station, USDA zone 8b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 8b Austin frost station Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start zucchini seeds indoors in Austin

In ZIP 78701, start zucchini seeds indoors around Feb 12, about 21 days before the Mar 5 last-frost estimate.

Start zucchini seeds indoors in Austin around Feb 12, about 21 days before the Mar 5 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Zucchini dates for Austin, TX

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	February 12, 2026	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	March 15, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.
Direct Sow	March 15, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Austin?

Austin (ZIP 78701) has an average last spring frost around Mar 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Austin?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 20, giving about 260 frost-free days.

Season map

Zucchini windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Feb 12

Direct sow

Mar 15

Transplant

Mar 15

Harvest

May 9

Frost watch

Sep 26

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start zucchini indoorsFeb 12

Last frost windowMar 5

Direct sow zucchiniMar 15

Transplant zucchiniMar 15

First zucchini harvest windowMay 9

Last zucchini sowing targetSep 26

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	March 5, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	November 20, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	260 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	24-36 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	65 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Austin frost history and USDA zone 8b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Zucchini timing notes

One or two healthy plants can feed a household. Zucchini prefers full sun, 24-36 in spacing, and soil near 65 F+.

For fall, count backward from Nov 20. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 26.