Chico, CA planting zone & frost dates
Chico is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 4 and the first fall frost around November 17, for a growing season of about 257 days.
Planting calendar for Chico
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 4) 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: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 17).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 8 | Mar 4 | Apr 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 5 | Nov 17 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Chico
- 95926 zone 9b
- 95927 zone 9a
- 95928 zone 9b
- 95929 zone 9a
- 95973 zone 9b
- 95976 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Paradise zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- Magalia zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
- Oroville zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Red Bluff zone 9a, last frost Feb 22
- Yuba City zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- Marysville zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- South Yuba City zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
Questions
What growing zone is Chico, CA?
Chico is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9b.
When is the last frost in Chico?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Chico is March 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Chico?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 11 – Mar 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Chico Univ Farm, CA (USC00041715), 4.4 km (2.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 56 m, based on 13 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.