Hollister, CA planting zone & frost dates
Hollister is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 19 and the first fall frost around December 1, for a growing season of about 287 days.
Planting calendar for Hollister
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 19) 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 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
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 | Jan 10 | Feb 19 | Mar 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 25 | Dec 1 | Nov 12 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 28, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 12. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Hollister
- 95023 zone 9b
- 95024 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Gilroy zone 9b, last frost Feb 24
- Prunedale zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Salinas zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Watsonville zone 9b, last frost Jan 28
- Morgan Hill zone 9b, last frost Feb 24
- Soledad zone 9b, last frost Feb 23
- Marina zone 10a
- Seaside zone 10a
Questions
What growing zone is Hollister, CA?
Hollister 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 Hollister?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Hollister is February 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Hollister?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 26 – Mar 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Hollister 2, CA (USC00044025), 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 84 m, based on 23 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.