Fall in zone 9bPhoto: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frost dates for ZIP 86426 (Fort Mohave, AZ)
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, Bullhead City, AZ (9 miles away).
Freezes are uncommon here
NOAA's normals for this station show a 32°F night in about 67% of years (about 2 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 450% chance of a 32°F freeze after this date
- Average first fall frostDec 2350% chance of a 32°F freeze by this date
- Growing season (frost-free)356 daysmedian, 32°F threshold
- USDA hardiness zone9b25 to 30°F avg. coldest night
Get The Dial for 86426 (Fort Mohave)
Frost and freeze alerts from the NWS forecast for 86426, the spring soil-temperature heads-up for pre-emergent, and a short weekly yard-timing email.
- Freeze alerts
- Soil-temp heads-up
- Weekly yard to-dos
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.
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
67°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 64°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Essex (42 mi).
4-inch depth
68°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 67°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Essex (42 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 86426 load here. You can also open the NWS forecast for this ZIP.
Pre-emergent
Soil is 68°F at 4 inches (estimated soil temperature, not a station reading). Fall pre-emergent (annual bluegrass, winter weeds): window open as soil cools through the 70s and 60s.
Fertilizer window
Lawn region: Arid Southwest (low desert). Timing only; always follow the product label.
- Bermudagrass (warm-season): Spring: Several weeks after the lawn is fully green (April–May) (about Feb 19 here, using green-up about 3–4 weeks after your average last frost); Summer: Every 4–6 weeks through mid-August (heaviest feeder of the group); Late: Light, low-nitrogen/high-potassium feeding about 4 weeks before first frost, or skip. Avoid: Heavy late-fall nitrogen (linked to spring dead spot).
- Perennial ryegrass (cool-season): Early fall: September; Late fall: October–November; Overseeded Bermuda: Light feeding once the winter rye is established, if needed. Avoid: Summer feeding.
Plant now
- Lettuce: fall sowing Oct 14–Nov 11
- Kale: fall transplant Sep 30–Oct 28
- Collards: fall transplant Sep 30–Oct 28
- Brussels sprouts: start seeds indoors Oct 12–26
- Kohlrabi: fall sowing Oct 14–28
- Swiss chard: fall sowing Oct 14–28
- Beet: fall sowing Oct 14–28
- Turnip: fall sowing Oct 14–28
- Onion (bulbing): start seeds indoors Oct 12–26
- Green onion / scallion: fall sowing Oct 14–28
- Leek: start seeds indoors Oct 12–26
- Celery: start seeds indoors Oct 12–26
- Strawberry (plants): fall transplant Oct 14–Nov 11
Coming up in the next 3 weeks
- Pepper (sweet and hot): start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
- Eggplant: start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
- Lettuce: fall transplant Oct 28–Nov 18
- Spinach: fall sowing Oct 28–Nov 18
- Broccoli: start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
- Cabbage: start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
- Cauliflower: start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
- Bok choy / Asian greens: fall sowing Oct 28–Nov 11
- Arugula: fall sowing Oct 28–Nov 25
- Mustard greens: fall sowing Oct 28–Nov 11
- Cilantro: fall sowing Oct 28–Nov 11
- Parsley: start seeds indoors Oct 26–Nov 9
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 12 (prior Dec) |
| 50% (the "average" last frost) | Jan 4 |
| 10% (cautious: only 1 year in 10 freezes later) | Feb 5 |
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) | Dec 1 |
| 50% (the "average" first frost) | Dec 23 |
| 90% (late: most years have frozen by now) | Jan 23 (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 1 | Dec 11 |
| 32°F (freeze) | Jan 4 | Dec 23 |
| 28°F (hard freeze) | Dec 26 (prior Dec) | Dec 25 |
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 86426
Dates count from your average last spring frost (Jan 4) and first fall frost (Dec 23). 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 | Nov 9–23 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | Aug 26–Sep 23 (transplant) |
| Pepper (sweet and hot) | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Jan 18–Feb 1 (transplant) | Sep 2–23 (transplant) |
| Eggplant | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Jan 18–Feb 1 (transplant) | Sep 2–23 (transplant) |
| Tomatillo | Nov 9–23 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) | – |
| Lettuce | Nov 9–23 | Dec 14–Jan 4 (transplant) Dec 7–Jan 18 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 18 (transplant) Oct 14–Nov 11 (sowing) |
| Spinach | – | Nov 23–Dec 14 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 18 (sowing) |
| Kale | Nov 9–23 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) Dec 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 28 (transplant) Sep 16–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Collards | Nov 9–23 | Dec 7–Jan 4 (transplant) Dec 7–Jan 4 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 28 (transplant) Sep 16–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Broccoli | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | Sep 16–Oct 14 (transplant) |
| Cabbage | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | Sep 16–Oct 14 (transplant) |
| Cauliflower | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Dec 21–Jan 4 (transplant) | Sep 16–Oct 14 (transplant) |
| Brussels sprouts | Oct 12–26 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | Sep 2–23 (transplant) |
| Kohlrabi | Nov 9–23 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) Dec 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Oct 14–28 (sowing) |
| Bok choy / Asian greens | – | Dec 7–21 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 11 (sowing) |
| Arugula | – | Dec 7–Jan 4 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 25 (sowing) |
| Mustard greens | – | Dec 7–28 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 11 (sowing) |
| Swiss chard | Nov 23–Dec 7 | Dec 21–Jan 11 (transplant) Dec 21–Jan 18 (sow outdoors) | Oct 14–28 (sowing) |
| Beet | – | Dec 7–Jan 4 (sow outdoors) | Oct 14–28 (sowing) |
| Carrot | – | Dec 14–Jan 11 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Radish | – | Nov 30–Jan 11 (sow outdoors) | Nov 11–25 (sowing) |
| Turnip | – | Dec 7–28 (sow outdoors) | Oct 14–28 (sowing) |
| Parsnip | – | Dec 14–Jan 4 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pea (garden, snap, snow) | – | Nov 9–Dec 7 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Onion (bulbing) | Oct 12–26 | Nov 23–Dec 7 (transplant) | – |
| Green onion / scallion | – | Nov 23–Dec 21 (sow outdoors) | Oct 14–28 (sowing) |
| Leek | Oct 12–26 | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | – |
| Garlic | – | – | Nov 11–Dec 9 (sowing) |
| Shallot | – | Nov 23–Dec 7 (transplant) | Nov 11–Dec 9 (sowing) |
| Potato | – | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | Sep 2–16 (transplant) |
| Sweet potato | – | Jan 25–Feb 8 (transplant) | – |
| Sweet corn | – | Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Bean, bush (snap) | – | Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Bean, pole | – | Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Lima bean | – | Jan 18–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Southern pea (cowpea, black-eyed pea) | – | Jan 25–Feb 15 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cucumber | Dec 7–14 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Summer squash / zucchini | Dec 7–14 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | Sep 30–Oct 14 (sowing) |
| Winter squash | Dec 7–14 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pumpkin | – | Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Watermelon | Dec 7–14 | Jan 18–Feb 1 (transplant) Jan 18–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cantaloupe / muskmelon | Dec 7–14 | Jan 18–Feb 1 (transplant) Jan 18–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Okra | Nov 23–Dec 7 | Jan 18–Feb 1 (transplant) Jan 18–Feb 1 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Celery | Oct 12–26 | Jan 11–18 (transplant) | – |
| Basil | Nov 23–Dec 7 | Jan 11–25 (transplant) Jan 11–25 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cilantro | – | Dec 21–Jan 18 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 11 (sowing) |
| Parsley | Oct 26–Nov 9 | Dec 21–Jan 4 (transplant) Dec 14–Jan 4 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Dill | – | Jan 4–18 (sow outdoors) | Oct 28–Nov 11 (sowing) |
| Sunflower | – | Jan 4–18 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Asparagus (crowns) | – | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | – |
| Rhubarb (crowns) | – | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | – |
| Strawberry (plants) | – | Dec 7–21 (transplant) | Oct 14–Nov 11 (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.
Where these numbers come from
Station: Bullhead City, AZ (NOAA GHCN-Daily ID USC00021050), elevation 531 ft, 8.9 miles from the ZIP's center point. NOAA completeness flag: R (representative, 10+ years).
Nearby stations
| Station | Distance | Last frost (50%) | First frost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laughlin, NV | 11 mi | Jan 5 | Dec 24 |
| Needles AP, CA | 17 mi | Jan 6 | Jan 2 (next year) |
| Yucca 1 NNE, AZ | 25 mi | Feb 18 | Dec 2 |
The average last-frost dates of these stations span 45 days, a rough guide to local variation. See data sources & methods.
Frost questions for 86426
When is the last frost in 86426?
The average (50% chance) last spring freeze of 32°F for ZIP 86426 is January 4. For a more cautious planting date, use February 5, when only 1 year in 10 still sees a later freeze.
When is the first frost in 86426?
The average first fall freeze is December 23. In 1 year in 10 it comes by December 1.
What hardiness zone is 86426?
ZIP 86426 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 86426 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
86442 Bullhead City 86440 Mohave Valley 89029 Laughlin 86433 Oatman 86429 Bullhead City 86413 Golden Valley 86436 Golden Shores 92363 Needles
Other ZIP codes in Mohave County
85360 86021 86401 86403 86404 86406 86409 86411 86413 86429 86431 86432 86433 86434 86436 86437 86438 86440 86441 86442 86443 86444 86445 All Mohave County frost dates · Arizona frost dates
Never miss a frost: get The Dial
Weekly yard timing, plus frost and soil-temperature alerts for your ZIP code.
- Freeze alerts
- Soil-temp heads-up
- Weekly yard to-dos
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.