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

Planting zone for 78934 — Columbus, TX

ZIP code 78934 (Columbus, Colorado County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost November 20.

Where ZIP 78934 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 9

First frostNov 20

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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 9median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMarch 31only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 20median — 10% chance by Nov 1

Growing season255 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 25 and returns around December 3.

From the NOAA station Columbus, TX — within 1 mile, elevation 226 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 78934

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 26 – Feb 9

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 26 – Feb 16

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Dec 29 – Jan 12

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 16 – Mar 2

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 9 – Feb 23

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 9 – Feb 23

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 16 – Mar 2

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 12 – Jan 26

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Dec 29 – Jan 12

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 23 – Apr 6

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 25 – Oct 9

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 6 – Dec 11

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 9) and first fall frost (Nov 20) 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 78934 came on Jan 15 — 9 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 24).

average
Jan 242026
Jan 15

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 Columbus, TX.

Soil in Columbus, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 78934 is Milby — sand, moderately well drained.

TextureSanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.7moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageModerately well drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Milby sand, 0 to 2 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 78934; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Columbus, TX

Summer high98 °Faverage high, August

Winter low39 °Faverage low, January

Hot days132days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights30nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days7,171base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 03 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 14 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation45 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: Columbus, TX (within 1 mile); precipitation: Columbus, TX (within 1 mile). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 9a.

Rock Island, TX · 12 mi

789339a

Cat Spring, TX · 14 mi

774759a

Sheridan, TX · 15 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 78934

What planting zone is ZIP code 78934?

ZIP code 78934 (Columbus, 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 Columbus, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 78934 is March 9; after March 31 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Columbus station.

When is the first frost in Columbus, TX?

The median first fall frost near 78934 is November 20, giving a median frost-free growing season of 255 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 78934?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 12 – Jan 26 and set transplants outside around Mar 16 – Mar 30, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 78934 get?

About 45 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Columbus station).

How hot do summers get in Columbus, TX?

The average high peaks at 98 °F in August, with about 132 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 78934 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Milby at the center of ZIP 78934: sand, moderately well drained, pH about 5.7 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Columbus, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 78934 came on Jan 15 in 2026, 9 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Jan 24), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Columbus, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 78934 is 14 h 03 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 78934 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 78934 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.