US Grow Zones

USDA hardiness zone 10a

In zone 10a, the average annual extreme minimum temperature is 30 to 35°F (-1.1 to 1.7°C), based on 1991–2020 data from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Temperature range30 to 35°F-1.1 to 1.7°C
ZIP codes1,234in this half-zone
Major cities63on this site
Typical last frostJan 2630% risk

What zone 10a means for your garden

A plant labeled "hardy to zone 10a" should survive a typical winter low of 30°F. Tropical and subtropical plants are an option, but many temperate fruit trees may not get enough winter chill. Zone 10b is the warmer half of zone 10.

ZIP codes in zone 10a: 1,234 in contiguous U.S..

Frost dates in zone 10a

Across 54 major cities in zone 10a, the 30%-risk last spring frost ranges from Jan 3 to Feb 24 (median Jan 26), and the first fall frost has a median of Dec 15. In 9 more cities frost is rare. Frost timing depends on elevation, latitude and distance from water — a zone does not set a frost date, so check your city page for local dates.

Typical planting calendar for zone 10a

Based on the median frost dates above. For your exact dates, use your city page.

CropStart indoorsTransplant / plant outDirect sowFall crop sow/plant
TomatoDec 1 – Dec 15Feb 2 – Feb 16——
PepperNov 17 – Dec 1Feb 9 – Feb 23——
Lettuce
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
Dec 15 – Dec 29Jan 12 – Feb 2Dec 29 – Feb 9Oct 6 – Nov 3
Green Beans——Feb 2 – Mar 9Sep 22 – Oct 6
Sweet Corn——Feb 2 – Mar 2—
Zucchini & Summer SquashDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 2 – Feb 16Feb 2 – Feb 23Sep 22 – Oct 6
CucumberDec 29 – Jan 5Feb 9 – Feb 16Feb 2 – Feb 23Sep 22 – Oct 6
Carrot
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
——Jan 5 – Feb 9Sep 22 – Oct 6
Onion
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
Nov 3 – Nov 17Dec 29 – Jan 12——
Potato
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
—Dec 29 – Jan 19——
BasilDec 15 – Dec 29Feb 9 – Feb 23Feb 9 – Mar 2—
Spinach
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
——Dec 15 – Jan 12Oct 20 – Nov 17
Kale
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
Dec 1 – Dec 15Dec 29 – Jan 19Dec 29 – Jan 19Oct 6 – Nov 3
Broccoli
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
Dec 1 – Dec 15Jan 12 – Feb 2—Sep 22 – Oct 6
Peas
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
——Dec 15 – Jan 5Oct 6 – Oct 20
EggplantNov 17 – Dec 1Feb 9 – Feb 23——
Cabbage
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
Dec 1 – Dec 15Dec 29 – Jan 12—Sep 22 – Oct 6
Radish
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
——Dec 22 – Feb 9Nov 3 – Dec 1
Strawberry—Dec 29 – Jan 19——
Beets
Mild winters: fall and winter plantings are usually more reliable than spring.
——Jan 5 – Feb 16Oct 6 – Oct 20

Cities in zone 10a (63)

Major cities whose center falls in zone 10a:

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