When to plant in McFarland, CA
USDA Zone 9bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for McFarland, California — all computed from McFarland's nearest NOAA weather station.
With about 311 frost-free days, McFarland supports back-to-back plantings; stagger sowings every few weeks to keep beds productive spring through fall. In zone 9b, frost is a minor factor for McFarland — most perennials thrive, and annual vegetables can go out early and stay late.
Frost probability
DELANO · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are McFarland’s own odds, recorded at DELANO.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 4 | Mar 5 | Feb 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 24 | Dec 8 |
| 32°F | Mar 5 | Jan 31 | Dec 30 | Nov 23 | Dec 8 | Dec 30 |
| 28°F | Jan 30 | Dec 31 | Dec 13 | Dec 3 | Dec 19 | Jan 9 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Nothing new to sow or transplant outdoors in the next few weeks — a seasonal lull. Check the full-year calendar below for the next window.
Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in McFarland, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 21 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
McFarland planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in McFarland, CA?
On average, the last spring frost in McFarland is around January 31 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in McFarland, CA?
In McFarland, the first 32°F freeze of fall lands around December 8 on average. Time your last harvests and any season-extension cover before it.
What hardiness zone is McFarland in?
McFarland is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. In zone 9b, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in McFarland?
McFarland has about 311 frost-free days — a long growing season — between the average last spring frost (January 31) and first fall frost (December 8).
When should I plant tomatoes in McFarland?
For McFarland, sow tomatoes indoors about December 6–December 20 and move the seedlings out around February 7, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in McFarland
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to McFarland’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Delano · 11 km
- Wasco · 15 km
- Shafter · 21 km
- Rosedale · 31 km
- Oildale · 32 km
- Bakersfield · 39 km
- East Bakersfield · 39 km
- Hillcrest · 40 km
Frost dates recorded at DELANO, 12 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in McFarland, CA — Frost Dates & Zone 9b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00042346. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/california/mcfarland.