Paradise, CA planting zone & frost dates
Paradise is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 7 and the first fall frost around December 18, for a growing season of about 313 days.
Planting calendar for Paradise
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 7) 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 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 21 – Feb 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 23 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 18).
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 7 | Apr 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 27 | Dec 18 | Nov 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Paradise
- 95967 zone 9b
- 95969 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Magalia zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
- Chico zone 9a, last frost Mar 4
- Oroville zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Marysville zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- Yuba City zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
- South Yuba City zone 9b, last frost Jan 15
- Olivehurst zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
Questions
What growing zone is Paradise, CA?
Paradise 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 Paradise?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Paradise is February 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Paradise?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 14 – Feb 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Paradise, CA (USC00046685), 0.7 km (0.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 533 m, based on 25 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.