When to plant in California, MD
USDA Zone 7bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for California, Maryland — all computed from California's nearest NOAA weather station.
A generous ~249-day season lets California gardeners direct-sow more and still ripen long-maturity crops like melons and winter squash. Zone 7b means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in California, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
SOLOMONS · 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 California’s own odds, recorded at SOLOMONS.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 18 | Apr 3 | Mar 20 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 | Dec 1 |
| 32°F | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | Mar 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 | Dec 12 |
| 28°F | Mar 25 | Mar 10 | Feb 21 | Nov 24 | Dec 9 | Dec 29 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in California, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 18 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.
California planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in California, MD?
On average, the last spring frost in California is around March 22 (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 California, MD?
Expect California's first fall frost near November 26 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is California in?
California is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. In zone 7b, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in California?
There are roughly 249 frost-free days in California (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around March 22 to the first fall frost near November 26.
When should I plant tomatoes in California?
In California, start tomato seeds indoors around January 25–February 8, then transplant seedlings outdoors around March 29 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in California
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to California’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Lexington Park · 7 km
- Cambridge · 46 km
- La Plata · 50 km
- Waldorf · 51 km
- Brandywine · 55 km
- Bensville · 57 km
- Marlton · 58 km
- Rosaryville · 60 km
Frost dates recorded at SOLOMONS, 4 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 California, MD — Frost Dates & Zone 7b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00188405. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/maryland/california.