California Planting Zones & Schedule

With its vast landscapes and varied climates, California stretches across USDA Zones 5a through 11a. Northern and inland regions, such as Sacramento and Redding, fall between Zones 5a and 10a, where gardeners can grow cool-weather vegetables like kale, lettuce, and root crops.

Southern and coastal areas, like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs, are much warmer, lying within Zones 10b to 11a. These regions enjoy mild winters and long summers, perfect for citrus, avocados, and other tropical or subtropical plants.

California Last & First Frost Dates

City	Last Frost Date	First Frost Date
Anaheim	No Frost	No Frost
Berkeley	Frost Rare	Frost Rare
Fresno	2/1	12/11
Irvine	No Frost	No Frost
Los Angeles	Frost Rare	Frost Rare
Long Beach	Frost Rare	Frost Rare
Monterey	No Frost	No Frost
Sacramento	2/1	1/1
San Diego	Frost Rare	Frost Rare
San Francisco	No Frost	No Frost

*Keep in mind that frost can occur before or after these dates. Watch your local weather to determine the best time to plant.

The growing season in California is very long, with many areas remaining frost-free all year. Refer to the planting schedules below to determine the best timing for your zone.