Frost Dates for Palmdale, CA 93551

Last spring frost April 3 · First fall frost November 17 · 228 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a

Frost probability for 93551

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 5April 3March 5
Fall (first frost)October 22November 17November 26

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (12.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Month by month in Palmdale

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 3). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 3. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 17). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 17. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 228-day season

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.

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.

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.

What USDA hardiness zone is Palmdale, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Palmdale falls approximately in 9a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Palmdale, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 3). For Palmdale, that's roughly February 7 to February 21. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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