Scotts Valley, CA planting zone & frost dates
Scotts Valley is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 25 and the first fall frost around November 11, for a growing season of about 231 days.
Planting calendar for Scotts Valley
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 25) 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 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 11).
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 | Feb 17 | Mar 25 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 4 | Nov 11 | Oct 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Scotts Valley
- 95066 zone 9b
- 95067 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Live Oak zone 10a, last frost Jan 29
- Santa Cruz zone 10a, last frost Jan 29
- Capitola zone 9b, last frost Jan 29
- Los Gatos zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Saratoga zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Campbell zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Cupertino zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
- Watsonville zone 9b, last frost Jan 28
Questions
What growing zone is Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley 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 Scotts Valley?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Scotts Valley is March 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Scotts Valley?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 1 – Apr 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ben Lomond #4, CA (USC00040673), 6.9 km (4.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 128 m, based on 17 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.