California Planting Guide & Growing Season
California is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 290 days. The average last spring frost is Jan 15 - Apr 15 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15 - Dec 31. Climate data based on Sacramento.
Growing Conditions in California
How California Compares
Compare California's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | Jan 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 31 | 290 | |
| Alabama (AL) | Mar 1 - Apr 1 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 | 220 | |
| Alaska (AK) | May 15 - Jun 15 | Aug 15 - Sep 15 | 105 | |
| Arizona (AZ) | Feb 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 15 | 270 | |
| Arkansas (AR) | Mar 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | 210 | |
| Colorado (CO) | Apr 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 15 - Oct 15 | 150 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in California
When should I start seeds indoors in California?
In California, the average last frost date is Jan 15 - Apr 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for California is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 290 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is California?
California falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in California?
The average first frost date in California is Oct 15 - Dec 31. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in California?
California has an average growing season of 290 days, from the last frost (Jan 15 - Apr 15) to first frost (Oct 15 - Dec 31). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.