Ridgecrest, CA planting zone & frost dates
Ridgecrest is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 11 and the first fall frost around November 12, for a growing season of about 244 days.
Planting calendar for Ridgecrest
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 11) 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: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 12).
Useful for zone 8b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Apr 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 25 | Nov 12 | Oct 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Ridgecrest
- 93555 zone 8b
- 93556 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- California City zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Rosamond zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Tehachapi zone 8b, last frost Apr 28
- Barstow zone 9a, last frost Feb 22
- Barstow Heights zone 9a, last frost Feb 22
- Lake Los Angeles zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Lancaster zone 8b, last frost Apr 3
- Adelanto zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
Questions
What growing zone is Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Ridgecrest?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Ridgecrest is March 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Ridgecrest?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 18 – Mar 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station China Lake Naf, CA (USW00093104), 7.5 km (4.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 680 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.