Frost Dates for Benicia, CA 94510
Last spring frost February 7 · First fall frost December 6 · 302 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 94510 has about 26,700 people.
Very long season: 302 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans November 28–March 27 (119 days). Fall frost risk spans November 11–January 4 (54 days).
Frost probability for 94510
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 27 | February 7 | November 28 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 11 | December 6 | January 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at FAIRFIELD (20.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 302-day season in Benicia
In Benicia (302 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Jan 3 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 6 |
| Pepper | Dec 27 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 11 |
| Lettuce | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 15 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 344 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 344 available after Jan 17. | Oct 4 |
| Cucumber | Jan 17 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 9 |
| Beans | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 29. | Sep 16 |
| Peas | — | Dec 13–Feb 21 | 365 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 365 available after Dec 13. | Sep 25 |
| Zucchini | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 14 |
| Onion | Nov 15 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 337 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 10. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 13–Jan 31 | 379 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Nov 3; both mature before Dec 27. | Nov 3 |
| Kale | Nov 29 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Broccoli | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 337 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 337 available after Jan 10. | Sep 10 |
| Cabbage | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 351 available after Jan 10. | Oct 4 |
| Radish | — | Dec 13–Mar 7 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Nov 4; both mature before Dec 13. | Nov 4 |
| Beets | — | Dec 13–Mar 7 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Jan 24. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 6 | 407 | overwinter: Plant Dec 6 to Dec 27; harvest the following summer. | Dec 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 3–Feb 28 | 358 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 3; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 10 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 274 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 274 available after Feb 14. | Aug 18 |
| Pumpkin | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 21 | 267 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 21. | Jul 24 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 27 | Jan 31–Feb 14 | 316 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 316 available after Jan 31. | Sep 15 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Jan 24 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 5 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 13–Mar 7 | 379 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Nov 3; both mature before Dec 27. | Nov 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 351 available after Jan 10. | Sep 4 |
| Butternut Squash | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 267 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 21. | Jul 24 |
| Eggplant | Dec 20 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 16 |
| Okra | Jan 10 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 281 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 14 |
| Basil | Jan 3 | Feb 28–Feb 28 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 9 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 10–Jan 31 | 337 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 10 |
| Parsley | Nov 29 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 302 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 14. | Sep 20 |
| Celery | Nov 29 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 302 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 14. | Aug 1 |
| Scallions | Nov 29 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 24; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 19 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 10 | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 316 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 15 |
| Collards | Nov 29 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 351 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 27. | Oct 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 1 |
| Chives | Nov 15 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 316 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 13–Mar 7 | 365 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 5 |
| Oregano | Nov 29 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 316 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 15 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 302 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 302 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Sage | Dec 13 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 316 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 29 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 316 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 316 available after Feb 14. | — |
| Calendula | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 323 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 13. | Oct 10 |
| Cosmos | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 9 |
| Lavender | Nov 15 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Marigolds | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 19 |
| Melons | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 260 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 260 available after Feb 21. | Aug 1 |
| Mint | — | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 323 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 323 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 14 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 281 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 281 available after Feb 14. | Sep 4 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 267 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 21. | Aug 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 288 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 288 available after Feb 7. | Aug 30 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 13 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 267 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 14. | Aug 11 |
| Watermelon | Jan 24 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 267 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 267 available after Feb 14. | Aug 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 274 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 14 |
| Zinnias | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 288 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 22. | Sep 9 |
Month by month in Benicia
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Basil (Jan 3), Tomato (Jan 3), Bok Choy (Jan 10), Corn (Jan 10), Cosmos (Jan 10), Nasturtiums (Jan 10), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Jan 10), Turnip (Jan 10), Carrots (Jan 17), Potatoes (Jan 24). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 10), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 10), Cabbage (Jan 10), Collards (Jan 10), Kale (Jan 10), Lettuce (Jan 10), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 3). |
| February | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Feb 7), Beans (Feb 14), Pole Beans (Feb 14). Transplant from: Cosmos (Feb 7), Lavender (Feb 7), Marigolds (Feb 7), Mint (Feb 7), Nasturtiums (Feb 7), Zinnias (Feb 7), +23 more. Last frost around February 7. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 24), Pumpkin (Jul 24). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 1), Celery (Aug 1), Melons (Aug 1), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 3), Tomato (Aug 6), Watermelon (Aug 6), +5 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Sep 4), Pole Beans (Sep 4), Basil (Sep 9), Cosmos (Sep 9), Cucumber (Sep 9), Zinnias (Sep 9), +10 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 4), Carrots (Oct 4), Beets (Oct 5), Dill (Oct 5), Swiss Chard (Oct 5), Calendula (Oct 10), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 15), Lavender (Nov 15), Onion (Nov 15), Rosemary (Nov 15), Celery (Nov 29), Collards (Nov 29), +5 more. Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 3), Spinach (Nov 3), Radish (Nov 4). |
| December | Start indoors: Broccoli (Dec 13), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 13), Cabbage (Dec 13), Lettuce (Dec 13), Sage (Dec 13), Swiss Chard (Dec 13), +6 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 6), Arugula (Dec 13), Beets (Dec 13), Dill (Dec 13), Peas (Dec 13), Radish (Dec 13), +2 more. First frost around December 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 27). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Benicia, CA (ZIP 94510)?
The median last spring frost date for Benicia, CA (ZIP code 94510) is around February 7. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before November 28; one in ten it runs past March 27.
What is the first fall frost date in Benicia, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Benicia, CA is around December 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around November 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Benicia, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Benicia is about 302 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Benicia (302 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Benicia, CA?
Benicia, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Benicia, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 3 and plant out Feb 21 in Benicia. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Benicia?
Two: plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 13.
When do I plant garlic in Benicia?
Dec 6 to Dec 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Benicia?
Yes: plant out Feb 21 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 6 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Martinez (ZIP 94553) has 365 frost-free days, 63 more than Benicia (ZIP 94510). See Martinez ZIP 94553 frost dates
Nearby and related
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- Frost dates for Fairfield, CA 94534 (9.9 mi)
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