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Planting zones · Midland, Texas

What Planting Zone Is Midland?

Midland is in USDA zone 8a–8b. Permian Basin at about 2,900 ft: about 13.5 in. of precipitation, 37% of it July–September, and a median frost-free season of about 239 days.

  • USDA zone (2023)8a–8b
  • Coldest night (avg.)15 to 20°FZIP 79701
  • Median last frostMar 1832°F
  • Median first frostNov 1432°F
  • Annual precipitation14 inches
  • Frost-free season239 days

Midland hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Midland fall in zones 8a to 8b; 79701 (zone 8b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 15 to 20°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 8.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Midland ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
797018b15 to 20°F
797058b15 to 20°F
797078a10 to 15°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Midland Intl Air & Space Port is Mar 18 and the median first fall frost is Nov 14, a typical frost-free season of about 239 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Mar 18), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Nov 14) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Midland

Average annual precipitation is 14 inches (Midland Intl Air & Space Port, 1991–2020), spread across the year with June the wettest month and February the driest.

The average high in July is about 96°F and the average low in January is about 33°F, measured at about 2,870 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 8 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Midland

82 plants in our database are hardy to zone 8 and suited to zone 8. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 8 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Midland?

Midland, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 8a–8b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (79701: 8b, 79705: 8b, 79707: 8a). In 79701, the average coldest night of the year is 15 to 20°F.

When is the last frost in Midland?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Midland Intl Air & Space Port is Mar 18 and the median first fall frost is Nov 14, a typical frost-free season of about 239 days.

How much rain does Midland get?

Average annual precipitation is 14 inches (Midland Intl Air & Space Port, 1991–2020), spread across the year with June the wettest month and February the driest.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Midland Intl Air & Space Port (USW00023023). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov