Fortuna, CA planting zone & frost dates
Fortuna is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 1 and the first fall frost around December 19, for a growing season of about 328 days.
Planting calendar for Fortuna
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 1) 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 7 – Dec 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 19).
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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 17 | Feb 1 | Mar 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 10 | Dec 19 | Nov 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fortuna
- 95540 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Eureka zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
- Bayside zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
- Arcata zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
- McKinleyville zone 9b, last frost Mar 8
- Ukiah zone 9a, last frost Mar 19
- Redding zone 9b, last frost Mar 3
- Shasta Lake zone 9b, last frost Feb 8
- Anderson zone 9a, last frost Mar 3
Questions
What growing zone is Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna 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 Fortuna?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fortuna is February 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fortuna?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 8 – Feb 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Scotia, CA (USC00048045), 13.5 km (8.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 42 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.