Planting zones · Lubbock, Texas
What Planting Zone Is Lubbock?
Lubbock is in USDA zone 7b. South Plains at about 3,300 ft: about 18 in. of precipitation, wettest in May, with a median last freeze of April 4 and first freeze of November 2.
- USDA zone (2023)7b
- Coldest night (avg.)5 to 10°FZIP 79401
- Median last frostApr 432°F
- Median first frostNov 232°F
- Annual precipitation18 inches
- Frost-free season210 days
Lubbock hardiness zone by ZIP code
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Lubbock fall in zone 7b; 79401 (zone 7b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 5 to 10°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 7.
| ZIP | Zone | Avg. coldest night |
|---|---|---|
| 79401 | 7b | 5 to 10°F |
| 79407 | 7b | 5 to 10°F |
| 79424 | 7b | 5 to 10°F |
Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.
Frost dates and when to plant
The median last spring frost (32°F) at Lubbock Preston Smith Intl Airport is Apr 4 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, a typical frost-free season of about 210 days.
Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 4), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Nov 2) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.
Rainfall and heat in Lubbock
Average annual precipitation is 18 inches (Lubbock Preston Smith Intl Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and January the driest.
The average high in July is about 93°F and the average low in January is about 27°F, measured at about 3,260 ft.
That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 7 and rated very low or low water once established.
Low-water plants for Lubbock
75 plants in our database are hardy to zone 7 and suited to zone 7. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.
Adam's Needle YuccaYucca filamentosaZones 4–10 · Very low water
Apache PlumeFallugia paradoxaZones 4–8 · Very low water
Blanket FlowerGaillardia aristataZones 3–8 · Very low water
Blue GramaBouteloua gracilisZones 3–10 · Very low water
Claret Cup CactusEchinocereus triglochidiatusZones 5–9 · Very low water
Gambel OakQuercus gambeliiZones 4–8 · Very low water
Hardy Ice PlantDelosperma cooperiZones 5–9 · Very low water
Havard AgaveAgave havardianaZones 5–9 · Very low water
Big SagebrushArtemisia tridentataZones 4–9 · Very low water
Chocolate FlowerBerlandiera lyrataZones 4–9 · Very low water
Little BluestemSchizachyrium scopariumZones 3–9 · Very low water
Plains Prickly PearOpuntia polyacanthaZones 4–9 · Very low water
Frequently asked questions
What planting zone is Lubbock?
Lubbock, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (79401: 7b, 79407: 7b, 79424: 7b). In 79401, the average coldest night of the year is 5 to 10°F.
When is the last frost in Lubbock?
The median last spring frost (32°F) at Lubbock Preston Smith Intl Airport is Apr 4 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, a typical frost-free season of about 210 days.
How much rain does Lubbock get?
Average annual precipitation is 18 inches (Lubbock Preston Smith Intl Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and January the driest.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Lubbock Preston Smith Intl Airport (USW00023042). ncei.noaa.gov
- USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov