What Can Grow in Hilo, HI

Hilo on the Big Island's wet eastern side has abundant rainfall and a lush tropical growing environment.

Hilo, HI is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12a. The growing season lasts about 365 days, with last frost around None and first fall frost around None. Top crops include taro, sweet potatoes, papaya.

12aUSDA Zone
365 daysFrost-Free
NoneLast Frost
NoneFirst Frost
🌱 What Grows in Hilo
tarosweet potatoespapayabananasanthuriumsginger
💡 Planting Tips

Wettest major city in the US. Excellent for tropical crops. Drainage management important.

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📍 Full Zone 12a Guide 🌎 Hawaii Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Hilo, HI is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 12a. Hilo on the Big Island's wet eastern side has abundant rainfall and a lush tropical growing environment.

The average last spring frost in Hilo is around None. The first fall frost typically arrives around None, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 365 days.

Hilo's Zone 12a climate supports growing taro, sweet potatoes, papaya, bananas, anthuriums, ginger. Wettest major city in the US. Excellent for tropical crops. Drainage management important.

In Hilo, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of None. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.