Frost Dates for Clayton, CA 94517
Last spring frost February 27 · First fall frost December 1 · 277 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
ZIP 94517 has about 12,300 people.
Very long season: 277 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 22–April 7 (75 days). Fall frost risk spans November 9–December 23 (44 days).
Frost probability for 94517
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 7 | February 27 | January 22 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 9 | December 1 | December 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LIVERMORE (26.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 277-day season in Clayton
In Clayton (277 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 23 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 235 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 13. | Aug 1 |
| Pepper | Jan 16 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 235 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 13. | Aug 6 |
| Lettuce | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 6 | 312 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 10 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 6–Feb 13 | 319 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 319 available after Feb 6. | Sep 29 |
| Cucumber | Feb 6 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Beans | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 11 |
| Peas | — | Jan 2–Mar 13 | 340 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 340 available after Jan 2. | Sep 20 |
| Zucchini | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Onion | Dec 5 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 312 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 312 available after Jan 30. | — |
| Spinach | — | Jan 2–Feb 20 | 354 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Oct 29; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 29 |
| Kale | Dec 19 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Broccoli | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 312 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 312 available after Jan 30. | Sep 5 |
| Cabbage | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 326 available after Jan 30. | Sep 29 |
| Radish | — | Jan 2–Mar 27 | 340 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Oct 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 30 |
| Beets | — | Jan 2–Mar 27 | 340 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 13–Feb 20 | 298 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 13. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 1 | 382 | overwinter: Plant Dec 1 to Dec 22; harvest the following summer. | Dec 22 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 23–Mar 20 | 333 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 23; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 30 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 249 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 249 available after Mar 6. | Aug 13 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 13 | 242 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 13. | Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 16 | Feb 20–Mar 6 | 291 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 291 available after Feb 20. | Sep 10 |
| Swiss Chard | Jan 2 | Feb 13–Feb 13 | 298 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Arugula | — | Jan 2–Mar 27 | 354 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Oct 29; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 29 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Jan 2 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 326 available after Jan 30. | Aug 30 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 242 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 13. | Jul 19 |
| Eggplant | Jan 9 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 235 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 13. | Aug 11 |
| Okra | Jan 30 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Basil | Jan 23 | Mar 20–Mar 20 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 30–Feb 20 | 312 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 5 |
| Parsley | Dec 19 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 277 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 6. | Sep 15 |
| Celery | Dec 19 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 6. | Jul 27 |
| Scallions | Dec 19 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 9 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 19; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 19 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 16–Jan 30 | 340 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 16 and again by Oct 14; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 14 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 30 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 10 |
| Collards | Dec 19 | Jan 30–Feb 13 | 326 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 9; both mature before Dec 22. | Oct 9 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 235 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 13. | Jul 27 |
| Chives | Dec 5 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 291 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 291 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Jan 2–Mar 27 | 340 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 2 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Oregano | Dec 19 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 291 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 291 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Dec 5 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 277 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Sage | Jan 2 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 291 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 291 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 19 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 291 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 291 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 16 | Feb 13–Feb 27 | 298 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 5 |
| Cosmos | Jan 30 | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
| Lavender | Dec 5 | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 298 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 27. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 16 | Feb 27–Mar 6 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 14 |
| Melons | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 235 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 13. | Jul 27 |
| Mint | — | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 298 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 298 available after Feb 27. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 30 | Feb 27–Mar 6 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Pole Beans | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 256 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 6. | Aug 30 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 242 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 13. | Jul 29 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 263 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 263 available after Feb 27. | Aug 25 |
| Tomatillos | Jan 2 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 242 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 6. | Aug 6 |
| Watermelon | Feb 13 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 242 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 6. | Aug 1 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 9 |
| Zinnias | Jan 30 | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 17. | Sep 4 |
Month by month in Clayton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Broccoli (Jan 2), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 2), Cabbage (Jan 2), Lettuce (Jan 2), Sage (Jan 2), Swiss Chard (Jan 2), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Jan 2), Beets (Jan 2), Dill (Jan 2), Peas (Jan 2), Radish (Jan 2), Spinach (Jan 2), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 30), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 30), Cabbage (Jan 30), Collards (Jan 30), Kale (Jan 30), Lettuce (Jan 30), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 23). |
| February | Start indoors: Cucumber (Feb 6), Butternut Squash (Feb 13), Cantaloupe (Feb 13), Melons (Feb 13), Pumpkin (Feb 13), Spaghetti Squash (Feb 13), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Feb 6), Potatoes (Feb 13), Sunflowers (Feb 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Feb 13), Swiss Chard (Feb 13), Bok Choy (Feb 20), Cauliflower (Feb 20), Cosmos (Feb 27), Lavender (Feb 27), +4 more. Last frost around February 27. |
| March | Direct sow from: Beans (Mar 6), Pole Beans (Mar 6). Transplant from: Celery (Mar 6), Chives (Mar 6), Corn (Mar 6), Okra (Mar 6), Oregano (Mar 6), Parsley (Mar 6), +17 more. |
| 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 19), Pumpkin (Jul 19), Cantaloupe (Jul 27), Celery (Jul 27), Melons (Jul 27), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 29). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Tomato (Aug 1), Watermelon (Aug 1), Pepper (Aug 6), Tomatillos (Aug 6), Eggplant (Aug 11), Corn (Aug 13), +3 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Basil (Sep 4), Cosmos (Sep 4), Cucumber (Sep 4), Zinnias (Sep 4), Broccoli (Sep 5), Nasturtiums (Sep 9), +13 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Oct 5), Cilantro (Oct 5), Collards (Oct 9), Scallions (Oct 9), Bok Choy (Oct 10), Lettuce (Oct 10), +6 more. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 1). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | Start indoors: Chives (Dec 5), Lavender (Dec 5), Onion (Dec 5), Rosemary (Dec 5), Celery (Dec 19), Collards (Dec 19), +5 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 1). First frost around December 1. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 22). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Clayton, CA (ZIP 94517)?
The median last spring frost date for Clayton, CA (ZIP code 94517) is around February 27. 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 January 22; one in ten it runs past April 7.
What is the first fall frost date in Clayton, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Clayton, CA is around December 1. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Clayton, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Clayton is about 277 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 Clayton (277 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 Clayton, CA?
Clayton, 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 Clayton, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 23 and plant out Mar 13 in Clayton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Clayton?
Two: plant Jan 30 and again by Oct 10; both mature before Dec 8.
When do I plant garlic in Clayton?
Dec 1 to Dec 22; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Clayton?
Yes: plant out Mar 13 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 1 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Walnut Creek (ZIP 94598) has 310 frost-free days, 33 more than Clayton (ZIP 94517). See Walnut Creek ZIP 94598 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (5.5 mi)
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