Lompoc, CA planting zone & frost dates
Lompoc is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. The last spring frost usually comes around January 20 and the first fall frost around December 19, for a growing season of about 335 days.
Planting calendar for Lompoc
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 20) 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 25 – Dec 9 Transplant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 11 – Nov 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 3 – Feb 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 11 – Nov 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 3 – Feb 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 11 – Nov 25 Transplant outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 11 – Nov 25 Transplant outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 9 – Dec 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 9 – Dec 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 9 – Dec 23 Transplant outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 19).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 16 | Jan 20 | Feb 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 26 | Dec 19 | Nov 27 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 27. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lompoc
- 93436 zone 10a
- 93437 zone 10a
- 93438 zone 10a
Nearby cities
- Orcutt zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Santa Maria zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Nipomo zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Arroyo Grande zone 10a
- Grover Beach zone 10a
- Isla Vista zone 10a
- Goleta zone 10a, last frost Jan 11
- San Luis Obispo zone 10a, last frost Jan 16
Questions
What growing zone is Lompoc, CA?
Lompoc is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 10a (average extreme winter low 30°F to 35°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Lompoc?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lompoc is January 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lompoc?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 27 – Feb 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lompoc, CA (USC00045064), 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 23 m, based on 27 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.