Frost Dates for Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Santa Rosa has 6 ZIP codes. The Santa Rosa, CA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost February 21 · First fall frost December 7 · 289 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
ZIP 95401 has about 36,900 people, one of 6 ZIP codes in Santa Rosa.
Very long season: 289 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans January 10–April 5 (85 days). Fall frost risk spans November 5–January 8 (64 days).
Frost probability for 95401
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 5 | February 21 | January 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 5 | December 7 | January 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at SANTA ROSA (7.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 289-day season in Santa Rosa
In Santa Rosa (289 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 17 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 247 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 7. | Aug 7 |
| Pepper | Jan 10 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 247 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 7. | Aug 12 |
| Lettuce | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Jan 31 | 324 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 16 |
| Carrots | — | Jan 31–Feb 7 | 331 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 331 available after Jan 31. | Oct 5 |
| Cucumber | Jan 31 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 10 |
| Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 30. | Sep 17 |
| Peas | — | Dec 27–Mar 7 | 352 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 352 available after Dec 27. | Sep 26 |
| Zucchini | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Onion | Nov 29 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 324 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 324 available after Jan 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 27–Feb 14 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 4; both mature before Dec 28. | Nov 4 |
| Kale | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 20; both mature before Dec 28. | Oct 20 |
| Broccoli | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 324 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 324 available after Jan 24. | Sep 11 |
| Cabbage | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 338 available after Jan 24. | Oct 5 |
| Radish | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 5; both mature before Dec 14. | Nov 5 |
| Beets | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 6; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 6 |
| Potatoes | — | Feb 7–Feb 14 | 310 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 7. | — |
| Garlic | — | Dec 7 | 394 | overwinter: Plant Dec 7 to Dec 28; harvest the following summer. | Dec 28 |
| Strawberry | — | Jan 17–Mar 14 | 345 | perennial: A perennial: plant Jan 17; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 261 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 261 available after Feb 28. | Aug 19 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 7 | 254 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 254 available after Mar 7. | Jul 25 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 10 | Feb 14–Feb 28 | 303 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 14. | Sep 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Dec 27 | Feb 7–Feb 7 | 310 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 6; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 6 |
| Arugula | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 366 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Nov 4; both mature before Dec 28. | Nov 4 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Dec 27 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 338 available after Jan 24. | Sep 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 254 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 254 available after Mar 7. | Jul 25 |
| Eggplant | Jan 3 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 247 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 7. | Aug 17 |
| Okra | Jan 24 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 268 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Basil | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 14 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Jan 24–Feb 14 | 324 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 11; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 11 |
| Parsley | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 289 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 289 available after Feb 28. | Sep 21 |
| Celery | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 289 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 289 available after Feb 28. | Aug 2 |
| Scallions | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 28. | Oct 15 |
| Turnip | — | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 25; both mature before Dec 28. | Oct 25 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 10–Jan 24 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 10 and again by Oct 20; both mature before Dec 28. | Oct 20 |
| Bok Choy | Jan 24 | Feb 14–Feb 21 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 16 |
| Collards | Dec 13 | Jan 24–Feb 7 | 338 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 15; both mature before Dec 28. | Oct 15 |
| Cantaloupe | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 247 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 7. | Aug 2 |
| Chives | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 303 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Dill | — | Dec 27–Mar 21 | 352 | two-plantings: Plant Dec 27 and again by Oct 6; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 6 |
| Oregano | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 303 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Rosemary | Nov 29 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 289 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 289 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Sage | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 303 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Thyme | Dec 13 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 303 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 303 available after Feb 28. | — |
| Calendula | Jan 10 | Feb 7–Feb 21 | 310 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 7 and again by Oct 11; both mature before Dec 14. | Oct 11 |
| Cosmos | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 10 |
| Lavender | Nov 29 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 310 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Marigolds | Jan 10 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 20 |
| Melons | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 247 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 7. | Aug 2 |
| Mint | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 310 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 310 available after Feb 21. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Feb 28 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 268 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 268 available after Feb 28. | Sep 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 254 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 254 available after Mar 7. | Aug 4 |
| Sunflowers | — | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 275 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 21. | Aug 31 |
| Tomatillos | Dec 27 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 254 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 254 available after Feb 28. | Aug 12 |
| Watermelon | Feb 7 | Feb 28–Mar 7 | 254 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 254 available after Feb 28. | Aug 7 |
| Yellow Squash | Feb 7 | Mar 7–Mar 14 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 15 |
| Zinnias | Jan 24 | Feb 21–Mar 7 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 23. | Sep 10 |
Month by month in Santa Rosa
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Eggplant (Jan 3), Calendula (Jan 10), Cauliflower (Jan 10), Marigolds (Jan 10), Pepper (Jan 10), Basil (Jan 17), +8 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Jan 10), Cilantro (Jan 24), Turnip (Jan 24), Carrots (Jan 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Jan 24), Brussel Sprouts (Jan 24), Cabbage (Jan 24), Collards (Jan 24), Kale (Jan 24), Lettuce (Jan 24), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Jan 17). |
| February | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Feb 7), Cantaloupe (Feb 7), Melons (Feb 7), Pumpkin (Feb 7), Spaghetti Squash (Feb 7), Watermelon (Feb 7), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Feb 7), Sunflowers (Feb 21), Beans (Feb 28), Pole Beans (Feb 28). Transplant from: Calendula (Feb 7), Swiss Chard (Feb 7), Bok Choy (Feb 14), Cauliflower (Feb 14), Cosmos (Feb 21), Lavender (Feb 21), +15 more. Last frost around February 21. |
| March | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Mar 7), Cantaloupe (Mar 7), Cucumber (Mar 7), Eggplant (Mar 7), Melons (Mar 7), Pepper (Mar 7), +6 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 25), Pumpkin (Jul 25). |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Aug 2), Celery (Aug 2), Melons (Aug 2), Spaghetti Squash (Aug 4), Tomato (Aug 7), Watermelon (Aug 7), +5 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Sep 5), Pole Beans (Sep 5), Basil (Sep 10), Cosmos (Sep 10), Cucumber (Sep 10), Zinnias (Sep 10), +10 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Oct 5), Carrots (Oct 5), Beets (Oct 6), Dill (Oct 6), Swiss Chard (Oct 6), Calendula (Oct 11), +8 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Chives (Nov 29), Lavender (Nov 29), Onion (Nov 29), Rosemary (Nov 29). Last sowing dates: Arugula (Nov 4), Spinach (Nov 4), Radish (Nov 5). |
| December | Start indoors: Celery (Dec 13), Collards (Dec 13), Kale (Dec 13), Oregano (Dec 13), Parsley (Dec 13), Scallions (Dec 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Garlic (Dec 7), Arugula (Dec 27), Beets (Dec 27), Dill (Dec 27), Peas (Dec 27), Radish (Dec 27), +1 more. First frost around December 7. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Dec 28). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Santa Rosa, CA (ZIP 95401)?
The median last spring frost date for Santa Rosa, CA (ZIP code 95401) is around February 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 January 10; one in ten it runs past April 5.
What is the first fall frost date in Santa Rosa, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Santa Rosa, CA is around December 7. 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 5 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Santa Rosa, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Santa Rosa is about 289 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 Santa Rosa (289 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 Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa, CA?
Start tomatoes indoors Jan 17 and plant out Mar 7 in Santa Rosa. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Santa Rosa?
Two: plant Jan 24 and again by Oct 16; both mature before Dec 14.
When do I plant garlic in Santa Rosa?
Dec 7 to Dec 28; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Santa Rosa?
Yes: plant out Mar 7 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Aug 7 for a fall crop.
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