Arden-Arcade, CA planting zone & frost dates
Arden-Arcade is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 12 and the first fall frost around December 16, for a growing season of about 341 days.
Planting calendar for Arden-Arcade
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 12) 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: Nov 17 – Dec 1 Transplant outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Jan 26 – Feb 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 3 – Nov 17 Transplant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 1 – Dec 15 Transplant outdoors: Jan 19 – Jan 26 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 16).
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 18 | Jan 12 | Feb 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 14 | Dec 16 | Nov 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Nearby cities
- La Riviera zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Carmichael zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Rosemont zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Rancho Cordova zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Foothill Farms zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- North Highlands zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Florin zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Rio Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 22
Questions
What growing zone is Arden-Arcade, CA?
Arden-Arcade 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 Arden-Arcade?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Arden-Arcade is January 12. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Arden-Arcade?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 19 – Jan 26. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 6.2 km (3.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 12 m, based on 30 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.