USDA hardiness zone
Zone 12 — 50 to 60°F
Hawaii (lowland), Puerto Rico (parts) · 365-day growing season
What grows in Zone 12
Zone 12 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:
- Mango, papaya, banana, breadfruit
- Cacao
- Coffee (mid-elevation)
- Coconut
- Pineapple
- Tropical greens
- Hot peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Cassava
- Tropical herbs
- Plumeria, hibiscus, bougainvillea
- Orchids (outdoor)
Climate notes for Zone 12
Heat-sensitive temperate crops fail. The growing constraint is heat tolerance, not cold tolerance.
Frost dates and timing
| Average last spring frost | no frost |
|---|---|
| Average first fall frost | no frost |
| Growing season length | ~365 days |
| Temperature range (F) | 50 to 60°F |
| Temperature range (C) | 10 to 16°C |
These are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth) can shift dates by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.
Source and methodology
Temperature ranges from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online national averages within each zone. Plant recommendations curated by the Growli editorial team from US extension service references.
What to plant in Zone 12
Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 12:
- When to plant tomatoes in zone 12
- When to plant peppers in zone 12
- When to plant basil in zone 12
- When to plant bush beans in zone 12
- When to plant cucumbers in zone 12
- When to plant summer squash in zone 12
- When to plant broccoli in zone 12
- When to plant cauliflower in zone 12
- When to plant cabbage in zone 12
- When to plant kale in zone 12
- When to plant collard greens in zone 12
- When to plant swiss chard in zone 12
- When to plant celery in zone 12
- When to plant potatoes in zone 12
- When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 12
- When to plant eggplant in zone 12
- When to plant okra in zone 12
- When to plant sweet corn in zone 12
- When to plant pumpkins in zone 12
- When to plant winter squash in zone 12
- When to plant zucchini in zone 12
- When to plant cantaloupe in zone 12
- When to plant watermelon in zone 12
- When to plant pole beans in zone 12
- When to plant edamame in zone 12
- When to plant fava beans in zone 12
- When to plant cilantro in zone 12
- When to plant dill in zone 12
- When to plant parsley in zone 12
- When to plant oregano in zone 12
- When to plant thyme in zone 12
- When to plant sage in zone 12
- When to plant rosemary in zone 12
- When to plant chives in zone 12
Common questions
What can I plant in USDA Zone 12?
Zone 12 suits Mango, papaya, banana, breadfruit, Cacao, Coffee (mid-elevation), Coconut, Pineapple, Tropical greens, and more, based on its 365-day growing season and 50 to 60°F average minimum temperatures.
When is the last frost in Zone 12?
The average last spring frost in Zone 12 passes around no frost, and the first fall frost arrives around no frost. Wait until after the last frost date before planting tender crops outdoors.
How long is the growing season in Zone 12?
Zone 12 has roughly 365 frost-free growing days between the average last spring frost (no frost) and the first fall frost (no frost).
What is the temperature range of USDA Zone 12?
USDA Zone 12 is defined by average annual minimum temperatures of 50 to 60°F (10 to 16°C).
When can I start planting in Zone 12?
Hardy cool-season crops can go outdoors a few weeks before the last frost (no frost); tender crops should wait until 1–2 weeks after it. Start warm-season seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before no frost.