When to plant zinnia in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Start indoors Jan 3 · Sow Jan 31 · First harvest Mar 22 · Wrap by Jun 14

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsJan 3

Direct sowJan 31

First harvestMar 22

Last harvestJun 14

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Zinnia is frost-sensitive, so the around last frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 4 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does zinnia take to grow in zone 10a?

Zinnia matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 31 and first picking around Mar 22.

Will zinnia survive frost in zone 10a?

No — zinnia is frost-sensitive. In zone 10a, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 31) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full zinnia growing guide →