USDA hardiness zone
Zone 9 — 20 to 30°F
Central + South Florida, Southern Texas, Southern California, Arizona · 280-day growing season
What grows in Zone 9
Zone 9 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:
- Tomatoes (year-round in many areas)
- Peppers (all year)
- Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
- Avocado
- Mango (warmer areas)
- Banana
- Sweet potatoes
- Okra
- Southern peas
- Pomegranates
- Figs
- Cool-season greens (winter)
Climate notes for Zone 9
Heat-tolerant tomato varieties (Solar Fire, Heatwave II) needed for midsummer. Cool-season crops grow Oct-Apr while northern zones are dormant.
Frost dates and timing
| Average last spring frost | mid-February to early March |
|---|---|
| Average first fall frost | late November / early December |
| Growing season length | ~280 days |
| Temperature range (F) | 20 to 30°F |
| Temperature range (C) | -7 to -1°C |
These are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth) can shift dates by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.
Source and methodology
Temperature ranges from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online national averages within each zone. Plant recommendations curated by the Growli editorial team from US extension service references.
What to plant in Zone 9
Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 9:
- When to plant tomatoes in zone 9
- When to plant peppers in zone 9
- When to plant basil in zone 9
- When to plant garlic in zone 9
- When to plant lettuce in zone 9
- When to plant bush beans in zone 9
- When to plant cucumbers in zone 9
- When to plant summer squash in zone 9
- When to plant peas in zone 9
- When to plant carrots in zone 9
- When to plant broccoli in zone 9
- When to plant cauliflower in zone 9
- When to plant cabbage in zone 9
- When to plant kale in zone 9
- When to plant brussels sprouts in zone 9
- When to plant collard greens in zone 9
- When to plant spinach in zone 9
- When to plant swiss chard in zone 9
- When to plant arugula in zone 9
- When to plant beets in zone 9
- When to plant radishes in zone 9
- When to plant turnips in zone 9
- When to plant parsnips in zone 9
- When to plant kohlrabi in zone 9
- When to plant onions in zone 9
- When to plant leeks in zone 9
- When to plant celery in zone 9
- When to plant asparagus in zone 9
- When to plant potatoes in zone 9
- When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 9
- When to plant eggplant in zone 9
- When to plant okra in zone 9
- When to plant sweet corn in zone 9
- When to plant pumpkins in zone 9
- When to plant winter squash in zone 9
- When to plant zucchini in zone 9
- When to plant cantaloupe in zone 9
- When to plant watermelon in zone 9
- When to plant pole beans in zone 9
- When to plant edamame in zone 9
- When to plant cilantro in zone 9
- When to plant dill in zone 9
- When to plant parsley in zone 9
- When to plant oregano in zone 9
- When to plant thyme in zone 9
- When to plant sage in zone 9
- When to plant rosemary in zone 9
- When to plant chives in zone 9
Common questions
What can I plant in USDA Zone 9?
Zone 9 suits Tomatoes (year-round in many areas), Peppers (all year), Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit), Avocado, Mango (warmer areas), Banana, and more, based on its 280-day growing season and 20 to 30°F average minimum temperatures.
When is the last frost in Zone 9?
The average last spring frost in Zone 9 passes around mid-February to early March, and the first fall frost arrives around late November / early December. Wait until after the last frost date before planting tender crops outdoors.
How long is the growing season in Zone 9?
Zone 9 has roughly 280 frost-free growing days between the average last spring frost (mid-February to early March) and the first fall frost (late November / early December).
What is the temperature range of USDA Zone 9?
USDA Zone 9 is defined by average annual minimum temperatures of 20 to 30°F (-7 to -1°C).
When can I start planting in Zone 9?
Hardy cool-season crops can go outdoors a few weeks before the last frost (mid-February to early March); tender crops should wait until 1–2 weeks after it. Start warm-season seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before mid-February to early March.