Auburn, CA planting zone & frost dates
Auburn is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 25 and the first fall frost around December 5, for a growing season of about 286 days.
Planting calendar for Auburn
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 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: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 11 – Mar 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 17 – Dec 31 Transplant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 5).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 15 | Feb 25 | Apr 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 31 | Dec 5 | Nov 15 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 15. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Auburn
- 95602 zone 9b
- 95603 zone 9b
- 95604 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- North Auburn zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Granite Bay zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Rocklin zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- El Dorado Hills zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Lincoln zone 9a, last frost Feb 11
- Folsom zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Cameron Park zone 9b, last frost Mar 31
- Roseville zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
Questions
What growing zone is Auburn, CA?
Auburn 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 Auburn?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Auburn is February 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Auburn?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 4 – Mar 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Auburn, CA (USC00040383), 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 394 m, based on 22 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.