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USDA Zone 9a planting calendar

In USDA Zone 9a, the average last spring frost is around 03/02 and the first fall frost around 11/25, giving roughly a 268-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.
Last frost ~03/02 First frost ~11/25 ~268-day season 75 NOAA stations

Frost dates are the median across 75 NOAA weather stations in Zone 9a (1991–2020 normals, 50% probability). Range: last frost 02/14–03/16, first frost 11/14–12/06. For your exact town, use the ZIP tool.

The year in Zone 9a

What to plant now (July)

Cabbage
Sow for fall harvest
Brussels Sprouts
Sow for fall harvest

All crops in Zone 9a

CropStart indoorsTransplant / sowSow for fall
TomatoesJanuary 30 – February 6March 6 – March 20
PeppersJanuary 19March 9 – March 23
EggplantJanuary 23 – February 6March 13 – March 27
BasilJanuary 30March 6 – March 20
BroccoliJanuary 12 – January 19February 2 – February 16August 16 – August 30
CabbageDecember 22 – January 5January 26 – February 9July 7 – July 21
CauliflowerJanuary 5 – January 19February 9 – February 23August 21 – September 4
Brussels SproutsDecember 29 – January 12February 2 – February 16July 7 – July 21
KaleDecember 22 – January 5January 26 – February 9August 26 – September 9
LettuceJanuary 2 – January 9January 30 – February 13August 11 – August 25
SpinachJanuary 23 – February 6September 20 – October 4
OnionsNovember 24 – December 8January 26 – February 9
LeeksDecember 1 – December 15February 2 – February 16
Swiss ChardJanuary 5 – January 12February 9 – February 23September 5 – September 19
RadishesFebruary 2 – February 16October 5 – October 19
TurnipsFebruary 2 – February 16September 5 – September 19
BeetsFebruary 9 – February 23August 31 – September 14
CarrotsFebruary 23 – March 9August 1 – August 15
PeasJanuary 19 – February 2August 26 – September 9
BeansMarch 2 – March 16
Sweet CornMarch 2 – March 16
CucumbersFebruary 13 – February 20March 6 – March 20
Summer Squash & ZucchiniFebruary 16 – February 23March 9 – March 23
Winter SquashFebruary 16 – February 23March 9 – March 23
PumpkinsFebruary 16 – February 23March 9 – March 23
MelonsFebruary 16 – February 23March 9 – March 23
OkraFebruary 9 – February 23March 16 – March 30
PotatoesFebruary 13 – February 27
ParsleyDecember 5 – December 12February 6 – February 20

Last verified 2026-07-16. Frost: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 Climate Normals. Zone: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM-derived). Planting rules: UNH Extension, Johnny's Selected Seeds, UGA Extension.