California Planting Zones

California is the mecca of year-round gardening. Much of the state has a moderate, Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers and wet winters. However, the large and long state has a wide range of climates that span every condition from polar to subtropical making California planting zones unique. Freezing temperatures are rare for much of the lower half of the state, even in winter. The northern region can be significantly cooler and wetter year round.  

Knowing the California growing zones will help you plan and plant a garden that is set up for success. California planting zones range from zones 5a to11a. Because the state is so large, it is actually further broken down into Northern and Southern planting zones. A northern half of a California planting zone can be anywhere from 5a to 10b. The southern region has zones 5a to 11a. Planting zones help determine when and what to plant throughout the year. Based on first and last frost dates, it is easy to know which varieties will survive specific state-weather patterns and temperatures. Gilmour’s Interactive Planting Zone Map is your source for finding out a specific growing zone so you can enjoy a flower, plant or vegetable garden that produces all season long. 

California growing zones offer a huge selection of options for what to grow. There are more than 200 crops grown in California, and several are grown there more than anywhere else in the nation (like artichokes, avocados and dates). Everything from grapes to pistachios will do well in this state. Vegetables that grow extremely well during the summer months include artichokes, tomatoes, squash, green beans, corn and avocados. Poppies, salvia, wildflowers, daisies and morning glories are all flowers that will do very well in most of California.