Zone 12 Planting Guide
Tropical — Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii (sea level)
- Min Winter Temp
- 50 to 60 °F / 10 to 16 °C
- Last Spring Frost
- None
- First Fall Frost
- None
- Growing Season
- Year-round (365 days)
- Annual Rainfall
- 20–100 in
Climate overview
In Zone 12, temperature is never a limiting factor for plant growth. The seasonal rhythm is driven entirely by rainfall — wet seasons vs. dry seasons. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands receive the most rain from August–November (hurricane season); the drier months of January–May are ideal for many crops. Hawaii's Zone 12 areas vary by which slope they're on — windward sides are lush and very wet; leeward sides are dry and require irrigation. The plant palette is unlimited tropical — all fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals that require warmth can be grown here. Crop diversity is extraordinary, including spices like turmeric, ginger, and vanilla.
States & regions
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas)
- Hawaii (sea-level Oahu, low-elevation Big Island)
Example cities
- San Juan, PR
- Ponce, PR
- Charlotte Amalie, USVI
- Frederiksted, USVI
- Honolulu, HI (low elevations)
Soil notes
Highly variable — volcanic soils in Hawaii range from extremely fertile to barren lava flows. Puerto Rico has clay-heavy soils in some areas and fertile alluvial soils in river valleys. Sandy coastal soils require heavy organic amendment.
- Temperature range
- 50 to 60 °F / 10 to 16 °C
- Growing season
- Year-round (365 days)
- Annual rainfall
- 20–100 inches
Challenges
- Hurricane and tropical storm damage risk
- Year-round pest and disease pressure
- Highly variable soil quality
- Intense rainfall can cause erosion and waterlogging
Advantages
- Unlimited growing season
- Can grow every tropical crop and spice
- Rich cultural traditions of tropical gardening to draw from
- Remarkable crop diversity
Gardening strategies for Zone 12
- 1
Plant root crops (taro, yuca, yams) as year-round staples
- 2
Grow spice crops: turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, allspice
- 3
Use raised beds or mounded rows to improve drainage in wet seasons
- 4
Time fruit tree planting for the start of the wet season
- 5
Apply mulch heavily to suppress weeds and retain moisture in dry periods
Monthly planting calendar
What to sow, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 12.
Browse by sun exposure
Find the best plants for your specific spot in Zone 12.
Browse by plant category
Targeted guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers in Zone 12.