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Planting zones · Prescott, Arizona

What Planting Zone Is Prescott?

Prescott is in USDA zone 7b. Central Arizona highlands at about 5,000 ft: about 13 in. of precipitation split between winter storms and the summer monsoon, with a median frost-free season of about 188 days.

  • USDA zone (2023)7b
  • Coldest night (avg.)5 to 10°FZIP 86301
  • Median last frostApr 2032°F
  • Median first frostOct 2732°F
  • Annual precipitation13 inches
  • Frost-free season188 days

Prescott hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Prescott fall in zone 7b; 86301 (zone 7b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 5 to 10°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 7.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Prescott ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
863017b5 to 10°F
863037b5 to 10°F
863057b5 to 10°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Prescott Love Field is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 27, a typical frost-free season of about 188 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 20), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 27) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Prescott

Average annual precipitation is 13 inches (Prescott Love Field, 1991–2020), and 44% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. June is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

The average high in July is about 90°F and the average low in December is about 26°F, measured at about 5,040 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 Prescott

75 plants in our database are hardy to zone 7 and suited to zone 7. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 7 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Prescott?

Prescott, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (86301: 7b, 86303: 7b, 86305: 7b). In 86301, the average coldest night of the year is 5 to 10°F.

When is the last frost in Prescott?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Prescott Love Field is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 27, a typical frost-free season of about 188 days.

How much rain does Prescott get?

Average annual precipitation is 13 inches (Prescott Love Field, 1991–2020), and 44% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. June is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Prescott Love Field (USW00023184). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov