When to plant in Hawaii
Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 10-13. Average last spring frost: no frost. Average first fall frost: no frost. This calendar is anchored to UH-Manoa CTAHR Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
Hawaii at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 10-13 |
| Region | Tropical |
| Average last spring frost | no frost |
| Average first fall frost | no frost |
| Primary Extension service | UH-Manoa CTAHR Extension |
What grows particularly well in Hawaii
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees UH-Manoa CTAHR Extension highlights as well-suited to Hawaii's climate:
- pineapple
- coffee
- macadamia
- plumeria
- hibiscus
- taro
Hawaii planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: no frost)
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in Hawaii: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most Hawaii gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: no frost)
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In Hawaii: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of Hawaii - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of Hawaii is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common Hawaii challenges
Year-round pest and disease pressure; nematode-infested soils; invasive species (coqui frog, miconia); rapid Ohia death; volcanic soils. For region-specific guidance, see our Tropical regional gardening guide.
Where to get Hawaii-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. UH-Manoa CTAHR Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit UH-Manoa CTAHR Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Tropical regional gardening guide