FrostCal

When to Plant Zucchini in California

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Dec 26 – Jan 2, then sow outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 45–55 days

Fast-growing squash; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 2-3 weeks early for a head start.

Zucchini Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseDec 12 – Dec 19Jan 9 – Jan 23Jan 9 – Jan 16
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 24 – Dec 31Jan 21 – Feb 4Jan 21 – Jan 28
SacramentoDec 22 – Dec 29Jan 19 – Feb 2Jan 19 – Jan 26
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldJan 10 – Jan 17Feb 7 – Feb 21Feb 7 – Feb 14
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideDec 19 – Dec 26Jan 16 – Jan 30Jan 16 – Jan 23
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonJan 15 – Jan 22Feb 12 – Feb 26Feb 12 – Feb 19
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontDec 17 – Dec 24Jan 14 – Jan 28Jan 14 – Jan 21
San BernardinoJan 6 – Jan 13Feb 3 – Feb 17Feb 3 – Feb 10
FontanaDec 20 – Dec 27Jan 17 – Jan 31Jan 17 – Jan 24
ModestoJan 10 – Jan 17Feb 7 – Feb 21Feb 7 – Feb 14
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyJan 6 – Jan 13Feb 3 – Feb 17Feb 3 – Feb 10
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleDec 12 – Dec 19Jan 9 – Jan 23Jan 9 – Jan 16
Santa ClaritaDec 18 – Dec 25Jan 15 – Jan 29Jan 15 – Jan 22
Santa RosaFeb 4 – Feb 11Mar 4 – Mar 18Mar 4 – Mar 11
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaDec 14 – Dec 21Jan 11 – Jan 25Jan 11 – Jan 18
OntarioDec 14 – Dec 21Jan 11 – Jan 25Jan 11 – Jan 18
Elk GroveJan 12 – Jan 19Feb 9 – Feb 23Feb 9 – Feb 16

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant zucchini in California?

In a typical California location, start seeds indoors Dec 26 – Jan 2, then sow outdoors Jan 23 – Feb 6, then transplant outdoors Jan 23 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 5 in San Mateo and as late as Jun 3 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do zucchini take to grow?

Zucchini typically take 45–55 days from planting to harvest. Fast-growing squash; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 2-3 weeks early for a head start.

Other Crops in California

When to plant zucchini in other states

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