Davis, CA planting zone & frost dates
Davis is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 10 and the first fall frost around December 1, for a growing season of about 295 days.
Planting calendar for Davis
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 10) 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 16 – Dec 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 2 – Dec 16 Transplant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 13 – Jan 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Feb 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 1).
Useful for zone 9b 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 31 | Feb 10 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 27 | Dec 1 | Nov 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Davis
- 95616 zone 9b
- 95617 zone 9b
- 95618 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Dixon zone 9b, last frost Feb 10
- Woodland zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- West Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Parkway zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Vacaville zone 9b, last frost Feb 18
- Rio Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
- Florin zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
Questions
What growing zone is Davis, CA?
Davis 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 Davis?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Davis is February 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Davis?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 17 – Feb 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Davis 2 Wsw Exp Farm, CA (USC00042294), 3.3 km (2.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 18 m, based on 30 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.