Saratoga, CA planting zone & frost dates
Saratoga is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 2 and the first fall frost around December 6, for a growing season of about 310 days.
Planting calendar for Saratoga
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 2) 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 8 – Dec 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Feb 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 24 – Dec 8 Transplant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 16 |
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).
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 31 | Feb 2 | Mar 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 7 | Dec 6 | Nov 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Saratoga
- 95070 zone 9b
- 95071 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Cupertino zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
- Los Gatos zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Campbell zone 9b, last frost Feb 2
- Sunnyvale zone 10a, last frost Jan 6
- Santa Clara zone 9b, last frost Jan 12
- Mountain View zone 10a, last frost Jan 6
- San Jose zone 9b
- Los Altos zone 9b, last frost Jan 6
Questions
What growing zone is Saratoga, CA?
Saratoga 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 Saratoga?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saratoga is February 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saratoga?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 9 – Feb 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Los Gatos, CA (USC00045123), 6.7 km (4.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 111 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.