Ferndale, CA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Ferndale compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ferndale fall between December 19 and February 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 19, or the last frost as late as March 8.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | February 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 19 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | February 10 |
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 Ferndale, CA
Ferndale, CA frost dates — last frost Feb 1, first frost Dec 19, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Ferndale, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 9 – Nov 23 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 4 – Feb 8 | Oct 24 – Nov 21 |
| Kale | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 3 |
| Okra | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Basil | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Sep 26 – Oct 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 28 – Feb 8 | Nov 7 – Nov 28 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Feb 22 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | Oct 24 – Nov 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 5 – Jan 9 |
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 Scotia, CA weather station, 13 km away (elevation 138 ft (42 m)).
Frost dates near Ferndale
- Fortuna Feb 1 · Dec 19
- Rio Dell Feb 1 · Dec 19
- Hydesville Feb 1 · Dec 19
- Loleta Feb 22 · Dec 7
- Scotia Feb 1 · Dec 19
- Fields Landing Feb 22 · Dec 7
- Carlotta Mar 4 · Nov 22
- Petrolia Feb 1 · Dec 19
- Eureka Feb 22 · Dec 7
- Cutten Feb 22 · Dec 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ferndale, CA?
The median last spring frost in Ferndale, CA is February 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ferndale, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 19.
How long is the growing season in Ferndale, CA?
About 321 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ferndale, CA?
Ferndale, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.