What Can Grow in California (CA)

California's microclimates are among the most diverse on Earth - coastal fog to desert heat to alpine cold.

California spans USDA zones 5a to 11a. The primary zone is 9b, with a growing season of 280 days. Top crops include tomatoes, artichokes, broccoli, peppers.

9bPrimary Zone
280 daysAvg Growing Season
13Zones Present
6Cities Covered
🗺️ Hardiness Zones in California
5a5b6a6b7a7b8a8b9a9b10a10b11a
🥕 Top Vegetables
tomatoesartichokesbroccolipepperslettuce
🍎 Top Fruits
citrusavocadosgrapesstrawberriesfigs
🌸 Top Flowers
California poppiesbougainvillealavenderzinnias
🌳 Top Trees
redwoodcoast live oakvalley oakblue oak
🌤️ Climate Summary

Mediterranean to desert to alpine. Coastal areas mild year-round; Central Valley hot and dry.

🌱
Shop seeds matched to your zone Burpee, Park Seed, and more — curated for your growing conditions.
Shop Seeds →
🏙️ Cities in California
Los Angeles
Zone 10a
San Francisco
Zone 10b
San Diego
Zone 10b
Sacramento
Zone 9b
Fresno
Zone 9b
San Jose
Zone 9b

Frequently Asked Questions

California spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a. The most common zone across the state is 9b. Mediterranean to desert to alpine. Coastal areas mild year-round; Central Valley hot and dry.

In California, excellent vegetables to grow include tomatoes, artichokes, broccoli, peppers, lettuce. The growing season of 280 days allows for multiple successions.

California is well suited for growing citrus, avocados, grapes, strawberries, figs. Always choose varieties rated for your specific local zone.

California's growing season averages 280 days. Mediterranean to desert to alpine. Coastal areas mild year-round; Central Valley hot and dry. Check your specific city or zone page for precise last-frost and first-frost dates.