Zone 12 Vegetable Planting Calendar

Use Zone 12’s long growing year wisely by matching cool crops to milder months and warm crops to suitable heat and rainfall.

View Planting Schedule

Average annual extreme minimum

50–60°F

UNCOMMON

Typical last spring frostLocal elevation, latitude, and microclimates can shift this period.

UNCOMMON

Typical first fall frostUse your ZIP-code frost dates and forecast for final decisions.

Zone 12A & 12BSelect your subzone for more useful timing

Year-Round PotentialA broad planning estimate with significant local variation

Season-Smart PlantingSuccession planting, shade, drainage, and locally adapted varieties matter more than frost alone.

Plan around your subzone

Choose Zone 12A or Zone 12B

Zone 12A and 12B differ in winter minimum temperature, but both require heat-aware timing. The B schedule shifts only one week; elevation, rainy seasons, wind, and local disease pressure can matter far more.

Zone 12A Planting Schedule

Start indoorsDirect sowTransplant/plant

Swipe horizontally to see later months.

Planning guidance only. Hardiness zones describe winter minimums; local frost dates and soil temperature should anchor annual vegetable planting. Give fall crops additional time because growth slows as days shorten.

Primary season in Zone 12

Grow heat-loving crops broadly and reserve cool crops for mild periods.

Choose varieties suited to your actual season length and use local soil temperature, weather, and extension guidance before planting.

Second season in Zone 12

Use improving temperatures to restart greens and roots.

Build in extra time as light levels change, and use protection, shade, or drainage practices appropriate to your local climate.