January has the coldest nights of the year, but hardy trees and shrubs still plant well now. They keep growing roots through the mild winter days before summer. Bare-root trees are in season, and a tree planted while dormant takes less shock. Frost can come any night from about Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. Spring is the ideal time for frost-tender plants like bougainvillea and lantana. If you plant one now, cover it on freeze nights. Cactus and agave root slowly in cold soil, so spring and early summer suit them better. A new plant needs water every 3 to 4 days for the first two weeks, and every 10 to 14 days by its second month.
In January
- Cover tender plants with frost cloth or old sheets before sundown when a freeze is forecast, and never use plastic.
- Water the soil the day before a cold night, since wet soil holds heat. Keep cactus and succulents dry.
- Cap the tips of totem pole and other tender column cactus with a foam cup or paper bag on freeze nights.
- Young plants and potted plants feel the cold first. Move pots under a big evergreen tree or onto a covered porch.
- Leave frost-burned branches on for now. They shelter the rest of the plant.
Best choices to plant in January
Most plants can go in the ground in most months with the right care. These are the ones that do best when planted in January. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for January planting
- Fruitless Olive Tree
- Southern Live Oak
- Texas Mountain Laurel
- Evergreen Elm
- Mastic Tree
- Native Mesquite
- Italian Cypress
- Chitalpa
- Bubbalicious Desert Willow
Shrubs for January planting
Aloes, yuccas and other succulents for January planting
Perennials and groundcovers for January planting
Ornamental grasses for January planting
Vines for January planting
Fruit and citrus trees for January planting
- Wonderful Pomegranate, one of its best months
Can you plant trees in January in Phoenix?
Yes. Hardy trees and bare-root trees plant well now and root through the winter. Spring is the ideal time for frost-tender trees and shrubs.
When is the last frost in the Valley?
Most years the frost risk ends around mid-February. Valentine's Day is the date many local growers use. Colder spots can run later.
Should I cut back plants that froze?
No, wait for now. The dead growth protects the living stems underneath. Trim in late February or early March, after the last frost.
How cold can my plants take?
It depends on the plant's age and where it sits. Young plants and pots get hit first, and some spots in a yard run colder than others.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
January is still a good month to plant hardy trees and shrubs, and to move dormant trees and shrubs. Wait until spring for cactus and frost-tender plants. Water new plants about once a week to every 2 weeks if there has been no rain or snow.
Best choices to plant in January
These plants we carry do well planted in January at this elevation. "One of its best months" marks a top month to plant it.
Trees for January planting
Shrubs for January planting
Perennials and groundcovers for January planting
Vines for January planting
Ornamental grasses for January planting
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
The ground can freeze in January, so this is a month to wait on planting. In a dry winter, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month and evergreens about every 2 weeks. Water late in the morning on a mild day so it soaks in before night.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
Snow and below zero nights make January a month to wait on planting. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, and never go longer than 4 to 6 weeks. Water early in the day, and keep cactus dry before freezing nights.
Higher and cooler parts of Arizona this month
Towns above the Valley get colder winters, so planting times shift. Here is what changes this month.
Sedona, the Verde Valley and Globe (about 3,000 to 4,500 feet)
January is still a good month to plant hardy trees and shrubs, and to move dormant trees and shrubs. Wait until spring for cactus and frost-tender plants. Water new plants about once a week to every 2 weeks if there has been no rain or snow.
Prescott, Chino Valley and Payson (about 4,500 to 6,000 feet)
The ground can freeze in January, so this is a month to wait on planting. In a dry winter, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month and evergreens about every 2 weeks. Water late in the morning on a mild day so it soaks in before night.
Flagstaff and Show Low (6,000 feet and up)
Snow and below zero nights make January a month to wait on planting. In dry spells with no snow, water rooted trees and shrubs about once a month, and never go longer than 4 to 6 weeks. Water early in the day, and keep cactus dry before freezing nights.
Planning ahead or catching up? See what to plant in December and what to plant in February.
Just planted? See how to water new plants in Phoenix.
Cold night coming? See frost protection for Valley yards: which plants need covering, how to cover them and what to do after a freeze.