Zone 12b Frost Dates and Planting Schedule

Zone 12b is frost-free in 100% of its ZIP codes, based on NOAA 1991–2020 normals at the weather station nearest each one.

By HarvestMath Editors October 1, 2026 Share:

Zone 12b is frost-free in 100% of its ZIP codes

Across the 98 ZIP codes the Hardiness Zone Finder puts in zone 12b, most sit nearest a NOAA station with too few freezing nights for a median frost date. Plant by season instead: cool-season crops from fall through winter, counted from an October 1 season start.

A hardiness zone is a winter-cold rating: the average coldest night of the year. It doesn't predict when frost ends in spring. Two ZIP codes in zone 12b can be weeks apart on their last frost, so the dates here are a typical range, not your date.

Your exact frost dates

Find your dates by

US ZIP code

Enter a ZIP code or pick your hardiness zone to see your frost dates.

Zone 12b Planting Schedule

Typical for zone 12b, counted from an October 1 season start with the Season Planner's crop timing. Enter your ZIP code for your exact dates.

Typical for zone 12b

Aug 6–Aug 20 Start tomatoes indoors

Tomato seed needs 6 to 8 weeks under lights before it goes out.
Aug 20–Sep 3 Sow peas outdoors

Peas take cold soil and light frost in stride.
Sep 3–Sep 17 Sow leaf lettuce outdoors

Sow again every 2 to 3 weeks for a steady supply.
Oct 8–Oct 15 Transplant tomatoes and peppers

Once nights stay above 50°F.
Oct 8–Oct 15 Sow bush beans

Beans rot in cold soil: wait for 60°F at 4 inches deep.

Zone 12b Cities and Their Frost Dates

Same zone, different dates: each city's own station.

Neighboring Zones

Zone 12b covers ZIP codes in Hawaii.

A garden in a zone 12b climate — An illustration of a zone 12b garden.

Free book · 23 pages, PDF

The Spacing & Planting Cheat Sheet

When to start, when to plant, how far apart.