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

Planting zone for 78653 — Manor, TX

ZIP code 78653 (Manor, Travis County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost November 24.

Where ZIP 78653 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.

Zone9a20 to 25 °F

Coldest night−6.7 to −3.9 °C

Last frostMar 4

First frostNov 24

2012 zone8b

Was 8b 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 9a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Manor, 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 Manor, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 4median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 23only 10% chance of frost after

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

Growing season264 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 21 and returns around December 9.

From the NOAA station Elgin 1 N, TX — 9 miles away, elevation 594 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 78653

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 21 – Feb 4

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 21 – Feb 11

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 24 – Jan 7

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 11 – Feb 25

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 4 – Feb 18

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 4 – Feb 18

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 11 – Feb 25

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 7 – Jan 21

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 24 – Jan 7

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 18 – Apr 1

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 11 – Mar 25

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 29 – Oct 13

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 10 – Dec 15

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 4) and first fall frost (Nov 24) 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 78653 came on Jan 30 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 27).

average
Jan 272026
Jan 30

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 9a in Texas

640 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, and rated by the USDA to survive 20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9a. 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 Manor, TX.

Soil in Manor, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 78653 is Houston Black — clay, moderately well drained.

TextureClayholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classprime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 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 78653; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Manor, TX

Summer high96 °Faverage high, August

Winter low39 °Faverage low, January

Hot days117days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights18nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,959base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 06 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 11 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation37.3 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: Elgin 1 N, TX (9 mi away); precipitation: Pflugerville 3.1 Ene, TX (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Pflugerville, TX · 8 mi

787258b

Austin, TX · 9 mi

786919a

Pflugerville, TX · 9 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 78653

What planting zone is ZIP code 78653?

ZIP code 78653 (Manor, TX) is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 20 to 25 °F (−6.7 to −3.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Manor, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 78653 is March 4; after March 23 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Elgin 1 N station.

When is the first frost in Manor, TX?

The median first fall frost near 78653 is November 24, giving a median frost-free growing season of 264 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 78653?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 7 – Jan 21 and set transplants outside around Mar 11 – Mar 25, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 78653 get?

About 37.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Pflugerville 3.1 Ene station).

How hot do summers get in Manor, TX?

The average high peaks at 96 °F in August, with about 117 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 78653 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Houston Black at the center of ZIP 78653: clay, moderately well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Manor, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 78653 came on Jan 30 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 27), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Manor, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 78653 is 14 h 06 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 78653 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 78653 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.