Elk Creek, CA frost dates
Last spring frostApr 5median date
First fall frostNov 13median date
Growing season222 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone9aZone 9a
How Elk Creek compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elk Creek falls between March 8 and April 24, a 47-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 29 and November 29.
- The median last frost is 5 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 222-day growing season is longer than 44% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 33 days later than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 57 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Chico, CA, 69 km away, the last frost here is 32 days later than there and the growing season is 36 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 8 |
| 50% (median) | April 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 29 |
| 50% (median) | November 13 |
| 90% (late) | November 29 |
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 Elk Creek, CA
Elk Creek, CA frost dates — last frost Apr 5, first frost Nov 13, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Jan 11 to Jan 25Transplant outside: Mar 8 to Mar 22
Start indoors: Jan 25 to Feb 8Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3
Start indoors: Jan 25 to Feb 8Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Apr 12 to Apr 26
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Mar 15 to Mar 29Sow outdoors: Mar 8 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Sep 18 to Oct 16
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Mar 8 to Mar 22Sow outdoors: Mar 8 to Mar 22Plant for fall: Sep 4 to Sep 25
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Mar 22 to Apr 5Plant for fall: Aug 7 to Aug 28
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Mar 15 to Mar 29Plant for fall: Aug 7 to Aug 28
Start indoors: Feb 8 to Feb 22Transplant outside: Mar 22 to Apr 5Plant for fall: Aug 7 to Aug 28
Start indoors: Feb 22 to Mar 8Transplant outside: Apr 26 to May 10Sow outdoors: Apr 26 to May 10
Start indoors: Feb 22 to Mar 8Transplant outside: Apr 12 to Apr 26
Sow outdoors: Feb 22 to Mar 15Plant for fall: Aug 21 to Sep 11
Sow outdoors: Feb 22 to Mar 15Plant for fall: Sep 18 to Oct 9
Sow outdoors: Mar 1 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Oct 2 to Oct 23
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 19 to Apr 26Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Aug 28 to Sep 11
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 15Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Apr 26Plant for fall: Sep 4 to Sep 18
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 15Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Apr 26
Start indoors: Mar 8 to Mar 15Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 3
Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Aug 21 to Sep 4
Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Sep 4 to Sep 18
Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Apr 5
Sow outdoors: Mar 22 to Apr 19Plant for fall: Sep 4 to Sep 18
Sow outdoors: Mar 22 to Apr 12Plant for fall: Sep 18 to Oct 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to May 3Plant for fall: Aug 28 to Sep 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 12 to Apr 26
Transplant outside: Apr 19 to May 10
Plant for fall: Oct 30 to Dec 4
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Elk Creek, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | Mar 8 – Apr 12 | Sep 18 – Oct 16 |
| Kale | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Broccoli | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cabbage | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Okra | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Basil | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 1 – Apr 12 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 8 – Mar 15 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 12 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 12 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 19 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 30 – Dec 4 |
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 Stony Gorge Rsvr, CA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 801 ft (244 m)).
Frost dates near Elk Creek
- Stonyford Apr 6 · Nov 10
- Willows Feb 21 · Dec 6
- Artois Feb 25 · Dec 2
- Orland Feb 25 · Dec 2
- Paskenta Apr 5 · Nov 13
- Potter Valley Apr 8 · Nov 6
- Flournoy Feb 25 · Dec 2
- Maxwell Feb 14 · Dec 1
- Upper Lake Mar 5 · Nov 21
- Nice Apr 10 · Nov 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elk Creek, CA?
The median last spring frost in Elk Creek, CA is April 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elk Creek, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Elk Creek, CA?
About 222 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elk Creek, CA?
Elk Creek, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.