Tulare, CA planting zone & frost dates
Tulare is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 23 and the first fall frost around December 13, for a growing season of about 328 days.
Planting calendar for Tulare
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 23) 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: Nov 28 – Dec 12 Transplant outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 14 – Nov 28 Transplant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 12 – Dec 26 Transplant outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 6 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 13).
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
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 | Dec 29 | Jan 23 | Feb 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 8 | Dec 13 | Nov 27 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 27. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Tulare
- 93274 zone 9b
- 93275 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Visalia zone 9b, last frost Jan 23
- Farmersville zone 9b, last frost Jan 23
- Exeter zone 9b, last frost Feb 20
- Corcoran zone 9a, last frost Feb 15
- Lindsay zone 9b, last frost Feb 20
- Hanford zone 9a, last frost Feb 7
- Dinuba zone 9b, last frost Jan 23
- Porterville zone 9b, last frost Jan 20
Questions
What growing zone is Tulare, CA?
Tulare 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 Tulare?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Tulare is January 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in Tulare?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 30 – Feb 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Visalia, CA (USC00049367), 14.1 km (8.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 92 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.