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Zone 9a Planting Calendar

Zone 9a has an average minimum temperature range of 20°F to 25°F. The average last spring frost is around February 10 and the first fall frost is around December 10, giving you approximately 303 days in the growing season.

There are 179 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 9a.

Zone 9a Year-round
303 days
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Last Spring Frost February 10
➔ 303 growing days ➔
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First Fall Frost December 10
Zone 9a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Feb 10 First Frost: Dec 10

States That Include Zone 9a

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 9a.

AL — Zone 7b AL AR — Zone 7b AR AZ — Zone 8a AZ CA — Zone 9a CA CO — Zone 5a CO CT — Zone 6b CT DE — Zone 7a DE FL — Zone 9a FL GA — Zone 7b GA IA — Zone 5a IA ID — Zone 5b ID IL — Zone 5b IL IN — Zone 6a IN KS — Zone 6a KS KY — Zone 6b KY LA — Zone 8b LA MA — Zone 6a MA MD — Zone 7a MD ME — Zone 4b ME MI — Zone 5b MI MN — Zone 4a MN MO — Zone 6a MO MS — Zone 8a MS MT — Zone 4b MT NC — Zone 7a NC ND — Zone 3b ND NE — Zone 5a NE NH — Zone 5a NH NJ — Zone 7a NJ NM — Zone 6b NM NV — Zone 6b NV NY — Zone 5b NY OH — Zone 6a OH OK — Zone 7a OK OR — Zone 7a OR PA — Zone 6a PA RI — Zone 6b RI SC — Zone 8a SC SD — Zone 4a SD TN — Zone 7a TN TX — Zone 8a TX UT — Zone 5b UT VA — Zone 7a VA VT — Zone 4b VT WA — Zone 7a WA WI — Zone 4b WI WV — Zone 6a WV WY — Zone 4a WY AK — Zone 2a AK HI — Zone 11a HI
Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Growing Season Comparison

What to Plant Right Now in Zone 9a

Based on April 2026 planting windows.

🥬 Arugula Harvest Mar 17 – May 19 🌿 Basil Harvest Apr 14 – Jun 16 🥬 Beets Harvest Mar 17 – Apr 14 🥬 Bitter Melon Harvest Apr 21 – Jun 2 🥬 Bok Choy Harvest Mar 24 – Apr 28 🌿 Borage Harvest Mar 31 – May 19 🥬 Broccoli Harvest Apr 14 – May 26 🥬 Broccoli Rabe Harvest Mar 24 – Apr 28

See all April plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 9a.

Vegetables for Zone 9a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 12 – Jun 16 80–100
Amaranth Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jul 7 90–120
Artichoke — — Feb 24 Jun 30 – Sep 8 120–180
Arugula Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – May 19 30–50
Asparagus — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Beets — Jan 20 — Mar 17 – Apr 14 50–70
Belgian Endive Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Jun 2 – Jul 28 110–150
Bitter Melon Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 2 60–90
Black Beans — Feb 17 — May 19 – Jul 7 90–120
Bok Choy Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 28 40–60
Broccoli Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 14 – May 26 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 28 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 12 – Jul 7 90–130
Butternut Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jun 23 85–110
Cabbage Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 14 – Jun 9 60–100
Calabash Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 12 – Jul 7 80–120
Cardoon — — Feb 24 Jun 30 – Aug 11 120–150
Carrots — Jan 20 — Mar 24 – Apr 28 60–80
Cauliflower Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – Jun 9 55–100
Celeriac Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 26 – Jun 30 100–120
Celery Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 5 – Jun 30 80–120
Celtuce Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 14 – May 26 60–90
Chard Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – May 26 50–60
Chayote Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Jun 23 – Sep 1 120–180
Chickpeas Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 5 – Jun 16 80–110
Chicory Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 14 – May 26 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – May 5 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 12 – Jun 16 80–100
Collard Greens Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – Jun 9 55–75
Corn — Feb 17 — Apr 21 – Jun 16 60–100
Cowpeas — Feb 17 — Apr 21 – Jun 2 60–90
Cress Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Feb 24 – Mar 17 14–21
Crookneck Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 7 – May 5 45–60
Crosne — Jan 20 — Jun 23 – Aug 25 150–200
Cucumber Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–70
Daikon — Jan 20 — Mar 17 – Apr 14 50–70
Delicata Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 12 – Jun 16 80–100
Edamame — Feb 17 — May 5 – Jun 16 75–100
Eggplant Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 30 65–85
Endive Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 31 – May 5 45–65
Escarole Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – May 5 50–70
Fava Beans Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 28 – Jun 9 75–100
Fennel Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 2 60–90
Garlic — — — — 90–240
Ginger Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Oct 20 – Dec 15 240–300
Green Beans — Feb 17 — Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–65
Horseradish — — Feb 24 Jun 30 – Sep 8 120–180
Hot Peppers Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Aug 4 70–120
Hubbard Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Jun 2 – Jul 7 100–120
Jicama Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Jun 23 – Sep 1 120–180
Kabocha Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jun 16 85–100
Kai Lan Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 31 – Apr 28 45–60
Kale Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – Jun 2 50–70
Kidney Beans — Feb 17 — May 19 – Jun 23 85–110
Kohlrabi Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 31 – May 5 45–65
Komatsuna Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – Apr 21 35–50
Leeks Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 12 – Jul 28 90–150
Lentils Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 5 – Jun 16 80–110
Lettuce Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – May 26 30–60
Lima Beans — Feb 17 — Apr 21 – Jun 2 60–90
Loofah Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Jun 2 – Aug 4 100–150
Luffa Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Aug 4 90–150
Mache Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 28 40–60
Malabar Spinach Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – May 12 55–70
Melon Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 16 70–100
Microgreens Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Feb 17 – Mar 17 7–21
Mitsuba Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 31 – May 26 50–70
Mizuna Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – Apr 14 30–45
Mustard Greens Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – May 19 30–50
Napa Cabbage Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – May 12 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – May 12 55–70
Okra Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–65
Onion Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 12 – Jun 30 90–120
Pac Choi Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 21 40–55
Parsnip — Jan 20 — May 5 – Jun 16 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 7 – May 5 45–60
Peas Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – Jun 2 55–70
Peppers Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Pole Beans Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 55–70
Potatoes Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jul 7 70–120
Pumpkin Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jul 7 85–120
Purslane Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 28 40–60
Radicchio Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 14 – May 19 60–80
Radish — Jan 20 — Feb 17 – Mar 10 22–35
Romanesco Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 28 – Jun 9 75–100
Rutabaga — Jan 20 — Apr 14 – May 19 80–100
Salsify — Jan 20 — May 5 – Jun 16 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 21 – Jun 16 70–110
Scallions Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – May 5 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – May 26 60–80
Shallot Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 May 12 – Jun 30 90–120
Shiso Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–70
Snap Peas Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 55–70
Snow Peas Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Apr 7 – Jun 2 50–65
Soybeans — Feb 17 — May 12 – Jul 7 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jun 16 85–100
Spinach Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – May 19 35–50
Squash (Summer) Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 7 – Jun 9 45–65
Squash (Winter) Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 12 – Jul 7 80–120
Sunchoke — — Feb 24 Jun 16 – Aug 11 110–150
Sunflower Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 16 70–100
Sweet Corn — Feb 17 — Apr 21 – Jun 2 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jul 7 90–120
Tatsoi Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 17 – Apr 21 35–50
Tomatillo Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–85
Tomatoes Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–85
Turmeric Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Oct 20 – Dec 15 240–300
Turnip — Jan 20 — Mar 3 – Apr 7 40–60
Watercress Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 10 Mar 24 – Apr 28 40–60
Watermelon Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 16 70–100
Wax Beans — Feb 17 — Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–65
Winter Melon Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 May 19 – Jul 7 90–120
Yam Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Aug 18 – Dec 15 180–330
Yard Long Beans Dec 30 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 – May 26 55–80
Zucchini Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 7 – Jun 2 45–60

Fruits for Zone 9a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — Feb 24 May 26 – Sep 8 90–180
Blackberries — — Feb 24 — 365–730
Boysenberries — — Feb 24 — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — Feb 24 May 5 – Jun 9 70–90
Che Fruit — — Feb 24 — 1095–1825
Dragon Fruit — — Feb 24 — 365–730
Elderberries — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Figs — — Feb 24 — 730–1825
Goji Berries — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Grapes — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — Feb 24 May 5 – Jun 30 65–80
Guava — — Feb 24 — 365–730
Honeydew — — Feb 24 May 19 – Jun 30 80–110
Kiwi — — Feb 24 — 1095–1825
Loquat — — Feb 24 — 730–1825
Mulberries — — Feb 24 — 730–1825
Passion Fruit — — Feb 24 — 365–545
Pawpaw — — Feb 24 — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — Feb 24 — 1095–2555
Pomegranate — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Quince — — Feb 24 — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — Feb 24 — 365–730
Serviceberries — — Feb 24 — 730–1095
Strawberries — — Feb 24 May 26 – Dec 22 90–365

Herbs for Zone 9a

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Anise Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 May 5 – Jul 21 90–120
Basil Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 16 50–75
Bee Balm — — Feb 17 May 19 – Aug 4 90–120
Borage Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 31 – May 19 50–60
Caraway Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 — 365–450
Catnip — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 23 60–80
Chamomile Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Apr 7 – Jun 16 60–90
Chervil Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 17 – May 19 40–60
Chives — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Cilantro Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 17 – May 19 40–60
Comfrey — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Cumin Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 May 19 – Jul 21 100–120
Dill Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 17 – May 19 40–60
Echinacea — — Feb 17 Jun 23 – Sep 29 120–180
Epazote Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 7 – Jun 2 45–60
Fennel (herb) Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Apr 7 – Jun 16 60–90
Feverfew — — Feb 17 May 19 – Aug 4 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Horehound — — Feb 17 May 5 – Jun 30 75–90
Hyssop — — Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 30 70–90
Lavender — — Feb 17 May 19 – Oct 20 90–200
Lemon Balm — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 9 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 30 70–90
Lemon Verbena Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Lemongrass Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 May 5 – Aug 4 75–120
Marjoram — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Mint — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Oregano — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Parsley Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Apr 7 – Jun 9 60–80
Rosemary — — Feb 17 May 12 – Sep 29 80–180
Rue — — Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 30 70–90
Sage — — Feb 17 May 5 – Jun 30 75–90
Savory — — Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 9 50–70
Sorrel Jan 13 Jan 20 Feb 3 Mar 17 – May 19 40–60
Stevia Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Tarragon — — Feb 17 Apr 21 – Jun 30 60–90
Thai Basil Dec 30 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 14 – Jun 16 50–75
Thyme — — Feb 17 Apr 28 – Jun 30 70–90
Valerian — — Feb 17 Jun 23 – Sep 29 120–180
Yarrow — — Feb 17 May 19 – Aug 4 90–120

Recommended for Your Garden

☀️
Garden Shade Cloth $15-35

Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.

Helps protect plants from intense heat in zones 9+.

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Essential for starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

Know your soil before you plant for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I grow in Zone 9a?

Zone 9a supports 179 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 303-day growing season (last frost ~February 10, first frost ~December 10), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 9a?

USDA Zone 9a has an average annual minimum temperature of 20°F to 25°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 9a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 9a is approximately February 10. The first fall frost averages around December 10, giving a growing season of about 303 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

Level Up Your Garden

Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold. Step-by-step composting for any backyard.

Start Composting →

Monthly Planting Guide for Zone 9a

Other Zones

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.

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