Salinas, CA planting zone & frost dates
Salinas is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 4 and the first fall frost around December 6, for a growing season of about 311 days.
Planting calendar for Salinas
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 4) 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 10 – Dec 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Feb 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 26 – Dec 10 Transplant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 24 – Jan 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 6).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Dec 25 | Feb 4 | Mar 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 5 | Dec 6 | Nov 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around December 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Salinas
- 93901 zone 9b
- 93902 zone 9b
- 93905 zone 9b
- 93906 zone 9b
- 93907 zone 9b
- 93908 zone 9b
- 93912 zone 9b
- 93915 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Prunedale zone 9b, last frost Feb 4
- Marina zone 10a
- Seaside zone 10a
- Monterey zone 10a
- Watsonville zone 9b, last frost Jan 28
- Pacific Grove zone 10a
- Hollister zone 9b, last frost Feb 19
- Gilroy zone 9b, last frost Feb 24
Questions
What growing zone is Salinas, CA?
Salinas 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 Salinas?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Salinas is February 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Salinas?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 11 – Feb 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Salinas #2, CA (USC00047668), 2.3 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 14 m, based on 24 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.