Prunedale, CA planting zone & frost dates
Prunedale is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 4 and the first fall frost around December 6, for a growing season of about 311 days.
Planting calendar for Prunedale
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 4) 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 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 6).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 25 | Feb 4 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 5 | Dec 6 | Nov 18 |
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 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Nearby cities
- Salinas zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Watsonville zone 9b, last frost Jan 28
- Marina zone 10a
- Seaside zone 10a
- Gilroy zone 9b, last frost Feb 24
- Hollister zone 9b, last frost Feb 19
- Monterey zone 10a
- Pacific Grove zone 10a
Questions
What growing zone is Prunedale, CA?
Prunedale 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 Prunedale?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Prunedale is February 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Prunedale?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 11 – Feb 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Salinas #2, CA (USC00047668), 12.9 km (8.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 14 m, based on 24 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.