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What to Plant in October — USDA Zone 9a

Here's everything you can start, transplant, sow, and harvest in October in USDA Zone 9a. This zone has an average last spring frost around February 10 and first fall frost around December 10, with a growing season of approximately 303 days.

There are 5 planting activities for October in Zone 9a.

Zone 9a Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 10
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 10

Where Is Zone 9a?

Harvest in October

Plant Type Date Range Days to Maturity
Ginger Vegetable 240–300 days
Lavender Herb 90–200 days
Strawberries Fruit 90–365 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.