Benton, CA frost dates
Last spring frostJun 10median date
First fall frostSep 17median date
Growing season99 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6bZone 6b
How Benton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Benton falls between May 29 and June 30, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 2 and October 2.
- The median last frost is 71 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 99-day growing season is among the shortest of the 636 California places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 49 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 210 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 29 |
| 50% (median) | June 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 30 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 2 |
| 50% (median) | September 17 |
| 90% (late) | October 2 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Benton, CA
Benton, CA frost dates — last frost Jun 10, first frost Sep 17, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: Jun 24 to Jul 8
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: Jun 24 to Jul 8
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 17Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 20
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27Sow outdoors: May 13 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Apr 29 to May 13Transplant outside: Jul 1 to Jul 15Sow outdoors: Jul 1 to Jul 15
Start indoors: Apr 29 to May 13Transplant outside: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 20Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: May 6 to Jun 17Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Start indoors: May 13 to May 20Transplant outside: Jun 24 to Jul 1Sow outdoors: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Start indoors: May 13 to May 20Sow outdoors: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Start indoors: May 13 to May 20Sow outdoors: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Start indoors: May 13 to May 20Transplant outside: Jun 24 to Jul 8
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 17
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 17Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 23
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 10
Sow outdoors: May 27 to Jun 24Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 23
Sow outdoors: May 27 to Jun 17Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Sow outdoors: Jun 17 to Jul 8
Sow outdoors: Jun 17 to Jul 1
Transplant outside: Jun 24 to Jul 15
Plant for fall: Sep 3 to Oct 8
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Benton, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | May 20 – Jun 3 | May 13 – Jun 17 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 |
| Kale | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | May 13 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Broccoli | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 29 – May 13 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 | — |
| Basil | Apr 29 – May 13 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Radishes | — | — | May 6 – Jun 17 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Cucumbers | May 13 – May 20 | Jun 24 – Jul 1 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 13 – May 20 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 99 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 13 – May 20 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 13 – May 20 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 20 – Jun 17 | — |
| Beets | — | — | May 20 – Jun 17 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 27 – Jun 24 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 17 – Jul 8 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 17 – Jul 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 99 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 3 – Oct 8 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Mammoth Lakes Rs, CA weather station, 44 km away (elevation 7,805 ft (2,379 m)). That is far enough away that your dates may differ, especially if your elevation is different.
Frost dates near Benton
- Mammoth Lakes Jun 10 · Sep 17
- June Lake Jun 10 · Sep 17
- Lee Vining May 23 · Oct 9
- Bishop Apr 29 · Oct 15
- Bridgeport frost any month
- Mono Hot Springs Jun 1 · Oct 6
- Big Pine Apr 29 · Oct 15
- Lakeshore Jun 1 · Oct 6
- Yosemite National Park Apr 21 · Oct 27
- Big Creek Jun 1 · Oct 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Benton, CA?
The median last spring frost in Benton, CA is June 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 30, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Benton, CA?
The median first fall frost is September 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 2.
How long is the growing season in Benton, CA?
About 99 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Benton, CA?
Benton, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.