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What to Plant in October — USDA Zone 12a

Here's everything you can start, transplant, sow, and harvest in October in USDA Zone 12a. This zone has an average last spring frost around January 1 and first fall frost around December 31, with a growing season of approximately 364 days.

There are 3 planting activities for October in Zone 12a.

Zone 12a Year-round
364 days
Last Spring Frost January 1
364 growing days
First Fall Frost December 31

Where Is Zone 12a?

Harvest in October

Plant Type Date Range Days to Maturity
Ginger Vegetable 240–300 days
Turmeric Vegetable 240–300 days
Yam Vegetable 180–330 days

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.