Lodi, CA planting zone & frost dates
Lodi is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 9 and the first fall frost around December 5, for a growing season of about 301 days.
Planting calendar for Lodi
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 9) 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 15 – Dec 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 29 – Jan 12 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 5).
Useful for zone 9a 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 | Jan 2 | Feb 9 | Mar 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 3 | Dec 5 | Nov 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lodi
- 95240 zone 9b
- 95241 zone 9a
- 95242 zone 9b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Lodi, CA?
Lodi 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 Lodi?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lodi is February 9. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lodi?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 16 – Feb 23. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lodi, CA (USC00045032), 3.0 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 12 m, based on 19 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.