Planting calendar for Hawaii
Short answer
Most of Hawaii is in climate zone 1, with an average last spring frost around Jan 15 and first fall frost around Dec 20. Plant hardy crops before the last frost, tender crops after. Enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
Last spring frost
Jan 15
First fall frost
Dec 20
Climate zone(s)
1
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Mar 7 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 1 | Apr 1 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 1 | Feb 15 |
| Blackberries | — | Jan 1 | Year 2–3 |
| Nasturtiums | — | Jan 15 | Mar 11 |
| Zucchini / squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Mar 13 |
| Green beans | — | Jan 22 | Mar 18 |
| Sweet corn | — | Jan 22 | Apr 7 |
| Coleus | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | Mar 23 |
| Marigolds | Nov 27 | Jan 22 | Mar 13 |
| Zinnias | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Mar 28 |
| Morning glories | Dec 18 | Jan 22 | Apr 12 |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 22 | Apr 12 |
| Tomatoes | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | Apr 14 |
| Peppers | Nov 20 | Jan 29 | Apr 19 |
| Cucumbers | Dec 25 | Jan 29 | Mar 25 |
| Pumpkins | Jan 1 | Jan 29 | May 19 |
| Basil | Dec 4 | Jan 29 | Mar 30 |
| Peonies | — | Nov 8 | Year 2–3 |
| Garlic | — | Nov 29 | Jul 27 (next yr) |
| Peas | — | Dec 11 | Feb 9 |
| Spinach | — | Dec 11 | Jan 25 |
| Radishes | — | Dec 18 | Jan 15 |
| Kale | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Feb 11 |
| Onions | Nov 6 | Dec 18 | Mar 28 |
| Lettuce | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Feb 13 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 25 | Mar 5 |
| Beets | — | Dec 25 | Feb 18 |
| Strawberries | — | Dec 25 | Mar 25 |
| Blueberries | — | Dec 25 | Year 2–3 |
| Tulips | — | Dec 27 | Jun 25 (next yr) |
Dates use zone 1 (most of Hawaii); colder areas run later. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone.
What sets planting dates in Hawaii
Planting dates across Hawaii anchor to two dates. Most of the state sits in climate zone 1, where the average last spring frost lands around Jan 15 and the first fall frost around Dec 20 — a growing season of roughly 339 days. Every crop in the calendar counts forward or backward from those two frosts.
Hardy crops shrug off a light freeze, so they go in weeks before the last frost; tender crops wait until after it, once the soil warms. In Hawaii's zone 1, that's why peas can go out around Dec 11 while tomatoes wait until about Jan 29.
Even within Hawaii's zone 1, elevation and local microclimate shift these dates by a week or two. Use them as a baseline, then enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
What sets your dates
| Factor | Effect on timing |
|---|---|
| Last spring frost | Tender crops can't go out until it passes — around Jan 15 in Hawaii's zone 1 |
| First fall frost | Sets the harvest deadline — around Dec 20 — for anything still in the ground |
| Climate zone | Hawaii is climate zone 1 |
| Crop hardiness | Hardy crops plant before the last frost; tender crops wait until after it |
| Indoor head start | Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) need 6–10 weeks started indoors first |
| Microclimate & elevation | Cold pockets, slopes, and higher ground run later than the state average |
How Hawaii's season compares
| Reference | Growing season |
|---|---|
| Long season (zone 2) | ~293 days · Feb 15 – Dec 5 |
| Hawaii (zone 1) | ~339 days · Jan 15 – Dec 20 |
| Short season (zone 8) | ~96 days · Jun 1 – Sep 5 |
Hawaii planting tips
- Don't rush tender crops out before Hawaii's last frost (around Jan 15) — a single late freeze can wipe out tomatoes and peppers.
- Start cool-season crops (peas, spinach, lettuce) early; they handle Hawaii's spring chill and bolt once summer heat arrives.
- Count backward from Jan 15 to time indoor seed-starting — 6–10 weeks for warm crops that need a head start.
- For a fall harvest, work back from the first frost (around Dec 20) using each crop's days-to-harvest so it matures in time.
Your exact area
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Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Hawaii?
Most of Hawaii (zone 1) averages its last spring frost around Jan 15 and first fall frost around Dec 20. Colder parts of the state run later in spring.
When should I plant tomatoes in Hawaii?
Set tomato transplants out around Jan 29 in most of Hawaii — a couple of weeks after the last frost. Start seeds indoors about Dec 4.
What is the growing season in Hawaii?
Roughly Dec 20 minus Jan 15 for zone 1. Cool-season crops extend it on both ends; enter your ZIP for your exact dates.