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

Planting zone for 76436 — Carlton, TX

ZIP code 76436 (Carlton, Hamilton County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost November 7.

Where ZIP 76436 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 24

First frostNov 7

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 Carlton, TX…

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 Carlton, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 24median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 11only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 7median — 10% chance by Oct 25

Growing season229 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 11 and returns around November 18.

From the NOAA station Hico, TX — 14 miles away, elevation 1,043 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 76436

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 10 – Feb 24

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 10 – Mar 3

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 13 – Jan 27

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 3 – Mar 17

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 24 – Mar 10

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 24 – Mar 10

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 3 – Mar 17

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 27 – Feb 10

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 13 – Jan 27

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 7 – Apr 21

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 12 – Sep 26

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 24 – Nov 28

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 24) and first fall frost (Nov 7) 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 76436 came on Feb 7 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 4).

average
Feb 42026
Feb 7

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 Texas

620 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, 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 Carlton, TX.

Soil in Carlton, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 76436 is Purves — stony clay, well drained.

TextureStony clayholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH8.0alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Purves-Bolar association, 1 to 8 percent slopes.

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 76436; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Carlton, TX

Summer high96 °Faverage high, August

Winter low32 °Faverage low, January

Hot days92days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights54nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,955base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 14 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 04 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation31.3 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: Hico, TX (14 mi away); precipitation: Gustine 9.8 E, TX (3 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

Pottsville, TX · 17 mi

766498b

Iredell, TX · 22 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 76436

What planting zone is ZIP code 76436?

ZIP code 76436 (Carlton, TX) 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 Carlton, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 76436 is March 24; after April 11 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Hico station.

When is the first frost in Carlton, TX?

The median first fall frost near 76436 is November 7, giving a median frost-free growing season of 229 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 76436?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 27 – Feb 10 and set transplants outside around Mar 31 – Apr 14, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 76436 get?

About 31.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gustine 9.8 E station).

How hot do summers get in Carlton, TX?

The average high peaks at 96 °F in August, with about 92 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 76436 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Purves at the center of ZIP 76436: stony clay, well drained, pH about 8.0 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Carlton, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 76436 came on Feb 7 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 4), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Carlton, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 76436 is 14 h 14 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 76436 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 76436 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.