Susanville, CA planting zone & frost dates
Susanville is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 16 and the first fall frost around October 8, for a growing season of about 143 days.
Planting calendar for Susanville
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 16) 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: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: May 30 – Jun 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 Transplant outdoors: May 23 – May 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 8).
Useful for zone 7a 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 29 | May 16 | Jun 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 22 | Oct 8 | Sep 25 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Susanville
- 96127 zone 7a
- 96130 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Magalia zone 8b, last frost Apr 17
- Paradise zone 9b, last frost Feb 7
- Truckee zone 6a, last frost Jun 9
- Grass Valley zone 9a, last frost Apr 10
- Oroville zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Chico zone 9a, last frost Mar 4
- North Auburn zone 9b, last frost Feb 25
- Linda zone 9b, last frost Feb 11
Questions
What growing zone is Susanville, CA?
Susanville is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Susanville?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Susanville is May 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Susanville?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 23 – May 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Susanville 2Sw, CA (USC00048702), 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 1284 m, based on 19 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.