When to plant zucchini 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 10 · Sow Feb 7 · First harvest Mar 24 · Wrap by Jun 2

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsJan 10

Direct sowFeb 7

First harvestMar 24

Last harvestJun 2

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. Zucchini is frost-sensitive, so the 1w after 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 3 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

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

Zucchini matures in about 45–60 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Feb 7 and first picking around Mar 24.

Will zucchini survive frost in zone 10a?

No — zucchini 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 zucchini growing guide →