California · zones 7a–10b
When to plant zucchini in California.
Sow between Jan 21 to May 6 in a typical year, keyed to California's median last frost around Jan 14. A second, fall sowing fits Aug 30 to Sep 18. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Zucchini dates for a typical California season.
Direct sow
Jan 21 to May 6
Keyed to the ~Jan 14 last frost. Sow 1" deep, 24" apart.
Fall round
Aug 30 to Sep 18
Counted back from the ~Dec 14 first frost.
Harvest
~50 days later
~8 lb per plant over ~5 weeks.
California spans more than one climate: Zone 10 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10b. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.