Frost Dates for Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Last spring frost January 10 · First fall frost October 13 · 276 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 92240 has about 41,600 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Desert Hot Springs.
Very long season: 276 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 92240
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 7 | January 10 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | November 18 | October 13 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at INDIO FIRE STN (39.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Desert Hot Springs, CA
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92240 | January 10 | October 13 | 10a |
| 92241 | January 10 | December 2 | 10a |
Which crops fit a 276-day season in Desert Hot Springs
In Desert Hot Springs (276 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 | Dec 6 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 234 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 234 available after Jan 24. | Jun 13 |
| Pepper | Nov 29 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 234 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 234 available after Jan 24. | Jun 18 |
| Lettuce | Nov 15 | Dec 13–Dec 20 | 311 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 20–Dec 27 | 318 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 318 available after Dec 20. | Aug 11 |
| Cucumber | Dec 20 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Beans | — | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Peas | — | Nov 15–Jan 24 | 339 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 339 available after Nov 15. | Aug 2 |
| Zucchini | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Onion | Oct 18 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 311 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 311 available after Dec 13. | — |
| Spinach | — | Nov 15–Jan 3 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 15 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Kale | Nov 1 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Nov 15 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 311 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 311 available after Dec 13. | Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Nov 15 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 325 available after Dec 13. | Aug 11 |
| Radish | — | Nov 15–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 15 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Oct 20. | Sep 11 |
| Beets | — | Nov 15–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 15 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Dec 27–Jan 3 | 297 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 297 available after Dec 27. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 13 | 381 | overwinter: Plant Oct 13 to Nov 3; harvest the following summer. | Nov 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Dec 6–Jan 31 | 332 | perennial: A perennial: plant Dec 6; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Dec 13 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 248 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 248 available after Jan 17. | Jun 25 |
| Pumpkin | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 24 | 241 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 241 available after Jan 24. | May 31 |
| Cauliflower | Nov 29 | Jan 3–Jan 17 | 290 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 290 available after Jan 3. | Jul 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Nov 15 | Dec 27–Dec 27 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Arugula | — | Nov 15–Feb 7 | 353 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 15 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Nov 15 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 325 available after Dec 13. | Jul 12 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 241 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 241 available after Jan 24. | May 31 |
| Eggplant | Nov 22 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 234 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 234 available after Jan 24. | Jun 23 |
| Okra | Dec 13 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 17 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Basil | Dec 6 | Jan 31–Jan 31 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 31 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Cilantro | — | Dec 13–Jan 3 | 311 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Parsley | Nov 1 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 276 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 276 available after Jan 17. | Jul 28 |
| Celery | Nov 1 | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 276 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 276 available after Jan 17. | Jun 8 |
| Scallions | Nov 1 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Turnip | — | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Nov 29–Dec 13 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 29 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 13 | Jan 3–Jan 10 | 290 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 3 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Collards | Nov 1 | Dec 13–Dec 27 | 325 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 234 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 234 available after Jan 24. | Jun 8 |
| Chives | Oct 18 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 290 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 290 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Dill | — | Nov 15–Feb 7 | 339 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 15 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Oregano | Nov 1 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 290 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 290 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Rosemary | Oct 18 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 276 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 276 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Sage | Nov 15 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 290 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 290 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Thyme | Nov 1 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 290 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 290 available after Jan 17. | — |
| Calendula | Nov 29 | Dec 27–Jan 10 | 297 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Cosmos | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Lavender | Oct 18 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 297 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 297 available after Jan 10. | — |
| Marigolds | Nov 29 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 27 |
| Melons | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 234 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 234 available after Jan 24. | Jun 8 |
| Mint | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 297 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 297 available after Jan 10. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 17 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Pole Beans | — | Jan 17–Jan 31 | 255 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 255 available after Jan 17. | Jul 12 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 241 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 241 available after Jan 24. | Jun 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 262 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 262 available after Jan 10. | Jul 7 |
| Tomatillos | Nov 15 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 241 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 241 available after Jan 17. | Jun 18 |
| Watermelon | Dec 27 | Jan 17–Jan 24 | 241 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 241 available after Jan 17. | Jun 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Zinnias | Dec 13 | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
Month by month in Desert Hot Springs
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Jan 10), Beans (Jan 17), Pole Beans (Jan 17). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Jan 3), Cauliflower (Jan 3), Cosmos (Jan 10), Lavender (Jan 10), Marigolds (Jan 10), Mint (Jan 10), +25 more. Last frost around January 10. |
| February | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| March | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| April | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| May | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 31), Pumpkin (May 31). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 8), Celery (Jun 8), Melons (Jun 8), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 10), Tomato (Jun 13), Watermelon (Jun 13), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 7), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 12), Pole Beans (Jul 12), Basil (Jul 17), Cosmos (Jul 17), Cucumber (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 2), Cabbage (Aug 11), Carrots (Aug 11), Beets (Aug 12), Dill (Aug 12), Swiss Chard (Aug 12), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 10), Spinach (Sep 10), Radish (Sep 11). |
| October | Start indoors: Chives (Oct 18), Lavender (Oct 18), Onion (Oct 18), Rosemary (Oct 18). Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 13). First frost around October 13. |
| November | Start indoors: Celery (Nov 1), Collards (Nov 1), Kale (Nov 1), Oregano (Nov 1), Parsley (Nov 1), Scallions (Nov 1), +13 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Nov 15), Beets (Nov 15), Dill (Nov 15), Peas (Nov 15), Radish (Nov 15), Spinach (Nov 15), +1 more. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 3). |
| December | Start indoors: Basil (Dec 6), Tomato (Dec 6), Bok Choy (Dec 13), Corn (Dec 13), Cosmos (Dec 13), Nasturtiums (Dec 13), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Dec 13), Turnip (Dec 13), Carrots (Dec 20), Potatoes (Dec 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Dec 13), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 13), Cabbage (Dec 13), Collards (Dec 13), Kale (Dec 13), Lettuce (Dec 13), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Dec 6). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA (ZIP 92240)?
The median last spring frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA (ZIP code 92240) is around January 10. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Desert Hot Springs, CA is around October 13. 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 18 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Desert Hot Springs is about 276 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 Desert Hot Springs (276 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 Desert Hot Springs, CA?
Desert Hot Springs, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (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 Desert Hot Springs, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Dec 6 and plant out Jan 24 in Desert Hot Springs. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Desert Hot Springs?
Two: plant Dec 13 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20.
When do I plant garlic in Desert Hot Springs?
Oct 13 to Nov 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Desert Hot Springs?
Yes: plant out Jan 24 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 13 for a fall crop.
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