Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Palm desert, CA, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 9b.
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Palm desert, CA Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Palm desert, CA
The average last frost date in spring for Palm desert is January 20th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until February 3rd before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Palm desert, CA
The average first frost date in fall for Palm desert is December 5th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Palm desert, CA
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Palm desert is approximately 319 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Palm desert, CA Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Palm desert, CA Monthly Planting Recommendations
January
In January, recommended activities include direct sowing Anise (from January 27th to February 3rd), direct sowing Butternut Squash (from January 27th to February 10th), and direct sowing Gladiolus (from January 20th to February 3rd).
February
In February, recommended activities include direct sowing Lima Bean (from February 3rd to February 17th), direct sowing Melon (from February 3rd to February 17th), and direct sowing Black Bean (from February 3rd to February 17th).
November
In November, recommended activities include starting Pansy seeds indoors (from November 11th to November 25th), starting Statice seeds indoors (from November 25th to December 9th), and starting Broccoli seeds indoors (from November 25th to December 9th).
December
In December, recommended activities include starting Basil seeds indoors (from December 9th to December 23rd), direct sowing Pea (from December 9th to December 23rd), and direct sowing California Poppy (from December 23rd to January 6th).