Los Angeles, California Frost Dates & Planting Calendar
Los Angeles is located in California at an elevation of 285 feet. The city falls within USDA plant hardiness zone 10a, where average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures range from 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. With a 356-day growing season, Los Angeles gardeners have an extended window for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Frost Date Summary for Los Angeles
Last Spring Frost
January 3
This is the average date of the last freezing temperature (32 degrees F or below) in spring. After this date, it is generally safe to transplant frost-tender seedlings outdoors. In any given year, the actual last frost may occur one to three weeks earlier or later.
First Fall Frost
December 25
This is the average date of the first freezing temperature in autumn. Frost-sensitive crops must be harvested before this date, or protected with row covers and frost blankets. Plan your fall garden so crops mature well before this date.
Growing Season
356 days
The number of frost-free days between the average last spring frost and first fall frost. When choosing crop varieties, compare their "days to maturity" against your growing season length to ensure they have time to produce a harvest.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a
USDA hardiness zone based on average annual extreme minimum temperature of 30 degrees F. Perennial plants, trees, and shrubs rated for zone 10a or lower should survive winter here. Learn more about zone 10.
Planting Calendar for Los Angeles
These recommended planting dates are calculated from Los Angeles's average frost dates. Adjust based on current weather conditions and forecasts.
November 15
Start warm-season seeds (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) indoors under grow lights approximately seven weeks before the average last frost. This gives transplants time to develop strong root systems before going outside.
January 17
Two weeks after the average last frost date, soil and air temperatures should be warm enough for transplanting hardened-off seedlings. Check the 10-day forecast before committing tender plants to the ground.
October 16
The last practical date to direct-sow fall crops like beans, squash, and quick-maturing greens so they mature before the average first fall frost. Choose fast-maturing varieties for late plantings.
Monthly Gardening Timeline
Below is a general month-by-month overview of garden activities for Los Angeles, based on its 356-day growing season and zone 10a climate. Specific tasks depend on your exact crops and gardening style.
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| January | Direct sow cool-season crops (peas, lettuce, radishes). Harden off indoor seedlings. |
| February | Transplant warm-season starts after last frost. Direct sow beans, squash, corn. |
| March | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| April | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| May | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| June | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| July | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| August | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| September | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| October | Maintain summer garden: water, weed, fertilize, harvest. Succession plant greens. |
| November | Plant fall crops: broccoli, kale, lettuce. Begin harvesting storage crops. |
| December | Harvest remaining crops before frost. Protect tender plants with row covers. |
What to Grow in Los Angeles (Zone 10a)
With 356 frost-free days and minimum winter temperatures around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, Los Angeles supports a broad range of edible and ornamental plants. Selecting varieties matched to your season length ensures the best results.
Warm-Season Vegetables
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, watermelons, cantaloupes, and sweet potatoes have ample time to produce multiple harvests. Plant early varieties in spring and long-season varieties for peak summer production.
Cool-Season Vegetables
Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes in early spring and again in late summer for fall harvest. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants go out in early spring and again in August.
Perennial Edibles & Fruit
A wide range of fruit trees including peaches, plums, figs, and pears grow well. Berry bushes, asparagus, rhubarb, and perennial herbs establish easily in the long growing season.
Zone 10a Details for Los Angeles
Temperature Range: 30°F to 35°F average annual extreme minimum
Description: South Florida and Southern California; tropical plants
Elevation: Los Angeles sits at 285 feet, which influences both frost timing and growing conditions. Higher elevations within zone 10a may experience slightly later spring frosts and earlier fall frosts than lower-elevation locations in the same zone.
Frost Protection Tips for Los Angeles Gardeners
Even with careful planning around average frost dates, unexpected late spring frosts and early fall frosts can threaten your garden in Los Angeles. Having protective materials ready and monitoring weather forecasts closely during the shoulder seasons is essential for preventing crop losses. Here are proven techniques for extending your growing season in zone 10a.
Spring Frost Protection
Keep frost blankets, row cover fabric, or old bed sheets on hand from the time you first transplant until at least two weeks past the average last frost date of January 3. Cover plants in late afternoon when frost is forecast. Jugs of water placed among plants absorb daytime heat and release it at night, raising temperatures by one to two degrees. Wall O' Water protectors allow transplanting up to four weeks early by creating a warm microclimate around individual plants.
Fall Season Extension
As December 25 approaches, covering mature plants with row cover when frost is forecast can extend your harvest by two to six weeks. Cold-tolerant crops like kale, carrots, spinach, and Brussels sprouts actually improve in flavor after light frost, so leave these in the ground and protect them with mulch or low tunnels. Harvesting all remaining tomatoes, peppers, and squash before a hard freeze and ripening them indoors is better than losing them to cold damage.
Other Cities in California
Compare frost dates and growing conditions across California: