Carlsbad, CA planting zone & frost dates
Carlsbad is in USDA hardiness zone 10b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 23 and the first fall frost around December 11, for a growing season of about 325 days.
Planting calendar for Carlsbad
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 23) 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: Nov 28 – Dec 12 Transplant outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 Transplant outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 11).
Useful for zone 10b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 22 | Jan 23 | Feb 22 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 15 | Dec 11 | Nov 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 22, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Carlsbad
- 92008 zone 10a
- 92009 zone 10a
- 92010 zone 10a
- 92011 zone 10b
- 92013 zone 10b
- 92018 zone 10a
Nearby cities
- Oceanside zone 10a
- Camp Pendleton South zone 10a
- Vista zone 10a
- Encinitas zone 10a
- Solana Beach zone 10b
- San Marcos zone 10a
- Fallbrook zone 10b
- Escondido zone 10a
Questions
What growing zone is Carlsbad, CA?
Carlsbad is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10b (average extreme winter low 35°F to 40°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 10a.
When is the last frost in Carlsbad?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Carlsbad is January 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 22.
When can I plant tomatoes in Carlsbad?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 30 – Feb 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Oceanside Muni Ap, CA (USW00053121), 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 8 m, based on 14 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.