Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 36773 — Safford, AL

ZIP code 36773 (Safford, Dallas County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost November 5.

Where ZIP 36773 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostMar 21

First frostNov 5

2012 zone8a

Was 8a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Safford, AL…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Safford, AL

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 21median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 12only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 5median — 10% chance by Oct 24

Growing season229 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 3 and returns around November 15.

From the NOAA station Selma 13 Wnw, AL — 14 miles away, elevation 194 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 36773

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 7 – Feb 21

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 7 – Feb 28

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 10 – Jan 24

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 28 – Mar 14

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 24 – Feb 7

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 10 – Jan 24

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 4 – Apr 18

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 10 – Sep 24

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 22 – Nov 26

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 21) and first fall frost (Nov 5) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 36773 came on Feb 10 — 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 4).

average
Feb 42026
Feb 10

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8b in Alabama

569 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Alabama, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Safford, AL.

Soil in Safford, AL

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 36773 is Leeper — silty clay loam, somewhat poorly drained.

TextureSilty clay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.6slightly alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageSomewhat poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Leeper silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 36773; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Safford, AL

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low34 °Faverage low, January

Hot days71days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights55nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,593base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 16 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 02 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation56.2 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Selma 13 Wnw, AL (14 mi away); precipitation: Alberta, AL (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

367208b

Alberta, AL · 9 mi

367598b

Marion Junction, AL · 10 mi

367288b

Catherine, AL · 10 mi

367678b

Orrville, AL · 11 mi

367868b

Uniontown, AL · 11 mi

367838b

Thomaston, AL · 14 mi

367238b

Boykin, AL · 16 mi

367388b

Faunsdale, AL · 17 mi

Alabama planting zones →

Questions about 36773

What planting zone is ZIP code 36773?

ZIP code 36773 (Safford, AL) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Safford, AL?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 36773 is March 21; after April 12 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Selma 13 Wnw station.

When is the first frost in Safford, AL?

The median first fall frost near 36773 is November 5, giving a median frost-free growing season of 229 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 36773?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 24 – Feb 7 and set transplants outside around Mar 28 – Apr 11, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 36773 get?

About 56.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Alberta station).

How hot do summers get in Safford, AL?

The average high peaks at 91 °F in July, with about 71 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 36773 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Leeper at the center of ZIP 36773: silty clay loam, somewhat poorly drained, pH about 7.6 (slightly alkaline).

Did spring come early in Safford, AL in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 36773 came on Feb 10 in 2026, 6 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 4), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Safford, AL?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 36773 is 14 h 16 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 36773 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 36773 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.