California Planting Calendar

Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for California gardeners.

Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a

The Short Answer

California spans USDA zones 5a through 11a, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Northern California Mountains has an average last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees its last frost around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.

California Frost Dates by Region

Mediterranean climate. Extremely diverse microclimates. Year-round growing possible in many regions. Summer fog affects coastal areas.

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Soil & Growing Conditions

Incredibly varied. Rich alluvial soils in Central Valley. Clay in many coastal areas. Sandy in southern regions. Alkaline in desert regions.

What to Plant in California

California's long season gives you two planting windows and room for crops that colder states can't grow. The key is timing around your summer heat peak:

Heat Lovers (California's Advantage)

OkraSweet PotatoesWatermelonEggplantPeppers

Spring & Fall Crops

TomatoesCucumbersBeans (Green/Snap)Squash (Summer)Corn (Sweet)BasilGarlicLettuceBroccoliCarrotsKalePeas

Flowers & Perennials

SunflowersZinniasLavenderMarigoldsDaylilies

Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.

Neighboring States

Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Note: Frost dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages. Actual frost dates can vary significantly year to year. Zone data is from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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