Stockton, CA planting zone & frost dates
Stockton is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 5 and the first fall frost around December 8, for a growing season of about 305 days.
Planting calendar for Stockton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 5) 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 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Feb 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 27 – Dec 11 Transplant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 8).
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 | Dec 27 | Feb 5 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 6 | Dec 8 | Nov 17 |
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 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Stockton
- 95201 zone 9b
- 95202 zone 9b
- 95203 zone 9b
- 95204 zone 9b
- 95205 zone 9b
- 95206 zone 9b
- 95207 zone 9b
- 95208 zone 9b
- 95209 zone 9b
- 95210 zone 9b
- 95212 zone 9b
- 95213 zone 9b
- 95214 zone 9b
- 95215 zone 9b
- 95219 zone 9b
- 95267 zone 9b
- 95269 zone 9b
- 95296 zone 9b
- 95297 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Garden Acres zone 9b, last frost Feb 6
- Lathrop zone 9b, last frost Feb 6
- Lodi zone 9a, last frost Feb 9
- Manteca zone 9b, last frost Feb 6
- Tracy zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Ripon zone 9b, last frost Feb 6
- Galt zone 9b, last frost Feb 9
- Discovery Bay zone 9b, last frost Jan 19
Questions
What growing zone is Stockton, CA?
Stockton 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 Stockton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Stockton is February 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Stockton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 12 – Feb 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Stockton Fire Stn 4, CA (USC00048560), 5.2 km (3.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 4 m, based on 15 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.