Avenal, CA planting zone & frost dates
Avenal is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 19 and the first fall frost around November 29, for a growing season of about 281 days.
Planting calendar for Avenal
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 19) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 4 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 29).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 21 | Feb 19 | Mar 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 17 | Nov 29 | Nov 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 24.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Avenal
- 93204 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Coalinga zone 9b, last frost Feb 14
- Lemoore zone 9a, last frost Feb 7
- Corcoran zone 9a, last frost Feb 15
- Hanford zone 9a, last frost Feb 7
- Paso Robles zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Kerman zone 9a, last frost Feb 18
- Atascadero zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Selma zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
Questions
What growing zone is Avenal, CA?
Avenal is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Avenal?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Avenal is February 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Avenal?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 26 – Mar 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Kettleman City, CA (USC00044534), 15.2 km (9.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 73 m, based on 18 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.