Frost Dates for Palmdale, CA 93551
Last spring frost April 3 · First fall frost November 17 · 228 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 93551 has about 54,400 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Palmdale.
Long season: 228 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 5–May 5 (61 days). Fall frost risk spans October 22–November 26 (35 days).
Frost probability for 93551
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 5 | April 3 | March 5 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 22 | November 17 | November 26 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PALMDALE (12.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 228-day season in Palmdale
In Palmdale (228 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 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 186 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 17. | Jul 18 |
| Pepper | Feb 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 186 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 17. | Jul 23 |
| Lettuce | Feb 6 | Mar 6–Mar 13 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 26 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 270 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 270 available after Mar 13. | Sep 15 |
| Cucumber | Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Beans | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Peas | — | Feb 6–Apr 17 | 291 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 291 available after Feb 6. | Sep 6 |
| Zucchini | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Onion | Jan 9 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 263 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 263 available after Mar 6. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 6–Mar 27 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 15 |
| Kale | Jan 23 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Broccoli | Feb 6 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 263 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 263 available after Mar 6. | Aug 22 |
| Cabbage | Feb 6 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 6. | Sep 15 |
| Radish | — | Feb 6–May 1 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Oct 16 |
| Beets | — | Feb 6–May 1 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 249 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 249 available after Mar 20. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 17 | 333 | overwinter: Plant Nov 17 to Dec 8; harvest the following summer. | Dec 8 |
| Strawberry | — | Feb 27–Apr 24 | 284 | perennial: A perennial: plant Feb 27; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 6 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 200 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 10. | Jul 30 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 17 | 193 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 17. | Jul 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 20 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 242 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 27. | Aug 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Mar 20 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 6–May 1 | 305 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 15 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 6 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 277 available after Mar 6. | Aug 16 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 193 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 17. | Jul 5 |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 186 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 17. | Jul 28 |
| Okra | Mar 6 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Basil | Feb 27 | Apr 24–Apr 24 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 6–Mar 27 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 21 |
| Parsley | Jan 23 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 228 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 228 available after Apr 10. | Sep 1 |
| Celery | Jan 23 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 228 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 228 available after Apr 10. | Jul 13 |
| Scallions | Jan 23 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 25 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Dec 8. | Oct 5 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 20–Mar 6 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 30; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 30 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 6 | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 26 |
| Collards | Jan 23 | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 277 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Dec 8. | Sep 25 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 186 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 17. | Jul 13 |
| Chives | Jan 9 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 242 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 242 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 6–May 1 | 291 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 6 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 16 |
| Oregano | Jan 23 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 242 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 242 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 9 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 228 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 228 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Sage | Feb 6 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 242 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 242 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 23 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 242 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 242 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 24. | Sep 21 |
| Cosmos | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Lavender | Jan 9 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 249 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 249 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Melons | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 186 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 17. | Jul 13 |
| Mint | — | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 249 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 249 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 207 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 10. | Aug 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 193 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 17. | Jul 15 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 214 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 214 available after Apr 3. | Aug 11 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 6 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 193 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 10. | Jul 23 |
| Watermelon | Mar 20 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 193 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 10. | Jul 18 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Zinnias | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
Month by month in Palmdale
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 9), Lavender (Jan 9), Onion (Jan 9), Rosemary (Jan 9), Celery (Jan 23), Collards (Jan 23), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 6), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 6), Cabbage (Feb 6), Lettuce (Feb 6), Sage (Feb 6), Swiss Chard (Feb 6), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 6), Beets (Feb 6), Dill (Feb 6), Peas (Feb 6), Radish (Feb 6), Spinach (Feb 6), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Feb 27). |
| March | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Mar 6), Corn (Mar 6), Cosmos (Mar 6), Nasturtiums (Mar 6), Okra (Mar 6), Zinnias (Mar 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 6), Turnip (Mar 6), Carrots (Mar 13), Potatoes (Mar 20). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 6), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 6), Cabbage (Mar 6), Collards (Mar 6), Kale (Mar 6), Lettuce (Mar 6), +6 more. |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 3), Beans (Apr 10), Pole Beans (Apr 10). Transplant from: Cosmos (Apr 3), Lavender (Apr 3), Marigolds (Apr 3), Mint (Apr 3), Nasturtiums (Apr 3), Zinnias (Apr 3), +23 more. Last frost around April 3. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jul 5), Pumpkin (Jul 5), Cantaloupe (Jul 13), Celery (Jul 13), Melons (Jul 13), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 15), +6 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Aug 11), Brussel Sprouts (Aug 16), Pole Beans (Aug 16), Basil (Aug 21), Cosmos (Aug 21), Cucumber (Aug 21), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Parsley (Sep 1), Peas (Sep 6), Cabbage (Sep 15), Carrots (Sep 15), Beets (Sep 16), Dill (Sep 16), +9 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Oct 5), Arugula (Oct 15), Spinach (Oct 15), Radish (Oct 16). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 17). First frost around November 17. |
| December | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 8). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Palmdale, CA (ZIP 93551)?
The median last spring frost date for Palmdale, CA (ZIP code 93551) is around April 3. 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 March 5; one in ten it runs past May 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Palmdale, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Palmdale, CA is around November 17. 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 22 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Palmdale, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Palmdale is about 228 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 Palmdale (228 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 Palmdale, CA?
Palmdale, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a (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 Palmdale, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Feb 27 and plant out Apr 17 in Palmdale. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Palmdale?
Two: plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 24.
When do I plant garlic in Palmdale?
Nov 17 to Dec 8; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Palmdale?
Yes: plant out Apr 17 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 18 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Canyon Country (ZIP 91387) has 267 frost-free days, 39 more than Palmdale (ZIP 93551). See Canyon Country ZIP 91387 frost dates
Nearby and related
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