Fresno, CA planting zone & frost dates
Fresno is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 14 and the first fall frost around December 14, for a growing season of about 337 days.
Planting calendar for Fresno
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 14) 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 19 – Dec 3 Transplant outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 5 – Nov 19 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 5 – Nov 19 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 5 – Nov 19 Transplant outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 5 – Nov 19 Transplant outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 3 – Dec 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 21 – Jan 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 14).
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 22 | Jan 14 | Feb 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 12 | Dec 14 | Nov 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fresno
- 93650 zone 9b
- 93701 zone 9b
- 93702 zone 9b
- 93703 zone 9b
- 93704 zone 9b
- 93705 zone 9b
- 93706 zone 9b
- 93707 zone 9b
- 93708 zone 9b
- 93709 zone 9b
- 93710 zone 9b
- 93711 zone 9b
- 93712 zone 9b
- 93714 zone 9b
- 93715 zone 9b
- 93716 zone 9b
- 93717 zone 9b
- 93718 zone 9b
- 93720 zone 9b
- 93721 zone 9b
- 93722 zone 9b
- 93723 zone 9b
- 93724 zone 9b
- 93725 zone 9b
- 93726 zone 9b
- 93727 zone 9b
- 93728 zone 9b
- 93729 zone 9b
- 93730 zone 9b
- 93737 zone 9b
- 93740 zone 9b
- 93744 zone 9b
- 93745 zone 9b
- 93747 zone 9b
- 93750 zone 9b
- 93755 zone 9b
- 93760 zone 9b
- 93761 zone 9b
- 93764 zone 9b
- 93765 zone 9b
- 93771 zone 9b
- 93772 zone 9b
- 93773 zone 9b
- 93774 zone 9b
- 93775 zone 9b
- 93776 zone 9b
- 93777 zone 9b
- 93778 zone 9b
- 93779 zone 9b
- 93786 zone 9b
- 93790 zone 9b
- 93791 zone 9b
- 93792 zone 9b
- 93793 zone 9b
- 93794 zone 9b
- 93844 zone 9b
- 93888 zone 9b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Fresno, CA?
Fresno 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 Fresno?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fresno is January 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fresno?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 21 – Jan 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fresno Yosemite Intl Ap, CA (USW00093193), 5.9 km (3.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 102 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.