Rio Linda, CA planting zone & frost dates
Rio Linda is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 22 and the first fall frost around November 24, for a growing season of about 277 days.
Planting calendar for Rio Linda
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 22) 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 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 14 – Dec 28 Transplant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 24).
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 | Jan 10 | Feb 22 | Apr 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 9 |
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 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 17.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Rio Linda
- 95673 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- North Highlands zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Foothill Farms zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Arden-Arcade zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Antelope zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- West Sacramento zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Carmichael zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- La Riviera zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
Questions
What growing zone is Rio Linda, CA?
Rio Linda 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 Rio Linda?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Rio Linda is February 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Rio Linda?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 1 – Mar 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sacramento Metro Ap, CA (USW00093225), 12.3 km (7.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 7 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.