McFarland, CA planting zone & frost dates
McFarland is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 31 and the first fall frost around December 8, for a growing season of about 309 days.
Planting calendar for McFarland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 31) 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 6 – Dec 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 22 – Dec 6 Transplant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 20 – Jan 3 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
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 30 | Jan 31 | Mar 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 30 | Dec 8 | Nov 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Nearby cities
- Delano zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Wasco zone 9a, last frost Jan 31
- Shafter zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Rosedale zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Oildale zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Bakersfield zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
- Porterville zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
- Lamont zone 9b, last frost Jan 31
Questions
What growing zone is McFarland, CA?
McFarland 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 McFarland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in McFarland is January 31. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in McFarland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 7 – Feb 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Delano, CA (USC00042346), 10.4 km (6.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 92 m, based on 8 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.