Frost Dates for Chico, CA 95973
Chico has 4 ZIP codes. The Chico, CA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost March 21 · First fall frost November 14 · 238 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 95973 has about 39,000 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Chico.
Long season: 238 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans February 14–April 24 (69 days). Fall frost risk spans October 29–December 1 (33 days).
Frost probability for 95973
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 24 | March 21 | February 14 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 29 | November 14 | December 1 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHICO UNIV FARM (21.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 238-day season in Chico
In Chico (238 frost-free days, a 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 | Feb 14 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 196 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 4. | Jul 15 |
| Pepper | Feb 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 196 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 4. | Jul 20 |
| Lettuce | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 273 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 23 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 280 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 280 available after Feb 28. | Sep 12 |
| Cucumber | Feb 28 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
| Beans | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Peas | — | Jan 24–Apr 4 | 301 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 301 available after Jan 24. | Sep 3 |
| Zucchini | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Onion | Dec 27 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 273 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 273 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Spinach | — | Jan 24–Mar 14 | 315 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 5. | Oct 12 |
| Kale | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 27; both mature before Dec 5. | Sep 27 |
| Broccoli | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 273 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 273 available after Feb 21. | Aug 19 |
| Cabbage | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 287 available after Feb 21. | Sep 12 |
| Radish | — | Jan 24–Apr 18 | 301 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Oct 13 |
| Beets | — | Jan 24–Apr 18 | 301 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 13 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 259 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 259 available after Mar 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 14 | 343 | overwinter: Plant Nov 14 to Dec 5; harvest the following summer. | Dec 5 |
| Strawberry | — | Feb 14–Apr 11 | 294 | perennial: A perennial: plant Feb 14; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Feb 21 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 210 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 210 available after Mar 28. | Jul 27 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 4 | 203 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 4. | Jul 2 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 7 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 252 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 14. | Aug 24 |
| Swiss Chard | Jan 24 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 13 |
| Arugula | — | Jan 24–Apr 18 | 315 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 12; both mature before Dec 5. | Oct 12 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 287 available after Feb 21. | Aug 13 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 203 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 4. | Jul 2 |
| Eggplant | Jan 31 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 196 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 4. | Jul 25 |
| Okra | Feb 21 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 217 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Basil | Feb 14 | Apr 11–Apr 11 | 203 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
| Cilantro | — | Feb 21–Mar 14 | 273 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 18 |
| Parsley | Jan 10 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 238 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 28. | Aug 29 |
| Celery | Jan 10 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 238 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 28. | Jul 10 |
| Scallions | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Dec 5. | Sep 22 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Oct 2; both mature before Dec 5. | Oct 2 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 301 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Sep 27; both mature before Dec 5. | Sep 27 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 21 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 252 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 23 |
| Collards | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 287 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Dec 5. | Sep 22 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 196 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 4. | Jul 10 |
| Chives | Dec 27 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 252 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Jan 24–Apr 18 | 301 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 13 |
| Oregano | Jan 10 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 252 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Dec 27 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 238 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 238 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Sage | Jan 24 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 252 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 10 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 252 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 252 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 259 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Nov 21. | Sep 18 |
| Cosmos | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
| Lavender | Dec 27 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 259 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 259 available after Mar 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Melons | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 196 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 196 available after Apr 4. | Jul 10 |
| Mint | — | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 259 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 259 available after Mar 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Pole Beans | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 217 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 217 available after Mar 28. | Aug 13 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 203 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 203 available after Apr 4. | Jul 12 |
| Sunflowers | — | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 224 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 224 available after Mar 21. | Aug 8 |
| Tomatillos | Jan 24 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 203 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 203 available after Mar 28. | Jul 20 |
| Watermelon | Mar 7 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 203 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 203 available after Mar 28. | Jul 15 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 210 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Zinnias | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 224 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 18 |
Month by month in Chico
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Celery (Jan 10), Collards (Jan 10), Kale (Jan 10), Oregano (Jan 10), Parsley (Jan 10), Scallions (Jan 10), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Jan 24), Beets (Jan 24), Dill (Jan 24), Peas (Jan 24), Radish (Jan 24), Spinach (Jan 24). |
| February | Start indoors: Calendula (Feb 7), Cauliflower (Feb 7), Marigolds (Feb 7), Pepper (Feb 7), Basil (Feb 14), Tomato (Feb 14), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Feb 7), Cilantro (Feb 21), Turnip (Feb 21), Carrots (Feb 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Feb 21), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 21), Cabbage (Feb 21), Collards (Feb 21), Kale (Feb 21), Lettuce (Feb 21), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Feb 14). |
| March | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Mar 7), Cantaloupe (Mar 7), Melons (Mar 7), Pumpkin (Mar 7), Spaghetti Squash (Mar 7), Watermelon (Mar 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Mar 7), Sunflowers (Mar 21), Beans (Mar 28), Pole Beans (Mar 28). Transplant from: Calendula (Mar 7), Swiss Chard (Mar 7), Bok Choy (Mar 14), Cauliflower (Mar 14), Cosmos (Mar 21), Lavender (Mar 21), +15 more. Last frost around March 21. |
| April | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Apr 4), Cantaloupe (Apr 4), Cucumber (Apr 4), Eggplant (Apr 4), Melons (Apr 4), Pepper (Apr 4), +6 more. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 2), Pumpkin (Jul 2), Cantaloupe (Jul 10), Celery (Jul 10), Melons (Jul 10), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 12), +6 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Aug 8), Brussel Sprouts (Aug 13), Pole Beans (Aug 13), Basil (Aug 18), Cosmos (Aug 18), Cucumber (Aug 18), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Peas (Sep 3), Cabbage (Sep 12), Carrots (Sep 12), Beets (Sep 13), Dill (Sep 13), Swiss Chard (Sep 13), +8 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Oct 2), Arugula (Oct 12), Spinach (Oct 12), Radish (Oct 13). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 14). First frost around November 14. |
| December | Start indoors: Chives (Dec 27), Lavender (Dec 27), Onion (Dec 27), Rosemary (Dec 27). Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 5). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Chico, CA (ZIP 95973)?
The median last spring frost date for Chico, CA (ZIP code 95973) is around March 21. 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 February 14; one in ten it runs past April 24.
What is the first fall frost date in Chico, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Chico, CA is around November 14. 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 October 29 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Chico, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Chico is about 238 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 Chico (238 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Chico, CA?
Chico, 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 Chico, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Feb 14 and plant out Apr 4 in Chico. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Chico?
Two: plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 21.
When do I plant garlic in Chico?
Nov 14 to Dec 5; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Chico?
Yes: plant out Apr 4 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 15 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Corning (ZIP 96021) has 270 frost-free days, 32 more than Chico (ZIP 95973). See Corning ZIP 96021 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Chico, CA 95926 (9.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Corning, CA 96021 (22.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Orland, CA 95963 (25.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Red Bluff, CA 96080 (34.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Oroville, CA 95966 (35.8 mi)
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- Look up another ZIP