USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 10 Planting Guide

One of the best food-growing climates in the country. Frost is rare, but summer heat is real and shuts down cool-season crops fast. Nearly year-round production is possible with the right timing. Zone 10 gives you three full growing cycles per year.

🌡️ Winter Low: 35–45°F ☀️ Summer High: 85–100°F+ 🔄 3 Growing Cycles/Year
Frost Risk
rare
Heat Concern
high
Grow Cycles
3/yr
Shade Cloth
Recommended

What to Grow in Zone 10

Zone 10 supports 105 plants across multiple growing seasons. Here are some of the best options for your garden.

Spring Plants

Kale 50–65 days · Both Swiss Chard 45–60 days · Both Carrots 55–70 days · Direct sow Beets 50–65 days · Direct sow Broccoli 55–75 days · Transplant Cauliflower 55–85 days · Transplant Cabbage 70–110 days · Transplant Brussels Sprouts 90–120 days · Transplant Bulb Onions 90–120 days · Transplant Leeks 90–120 days · Transplant Collards 55–75 days · Both Mustard Greens 30–45 days · Direct sow

Summer Plants

Tomatoes 60–90 days · Transplant Cherry Tomatoes 55–75 days · Transplant Roma Tomatoes 70–80 days · Transplant Bell Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Hot Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Jalapeños 65–90 days · Transplant Habanero Peppers 75–100 days · Transplant Cucumbers 50–70 days · Both Zucchini 45–60 days · Both Summer/Winter Squash 50–100 days · Both Bush Beans 50–60 days · Direct sow Pole Beans 60–70 days · Direct sow

Fall Plants

Kale 50–65 days · Both Swiss Chard 45–60 days · Both Carrots 55–70 days · Direct sow Beets 50–65 days · Direct sow Broccoli 55–75 days · Transplant Cauliflower 55–85 days · Transplant Cabbage 70–110 days · Transplant Brussels Sprouts 90–120 days · Transplant Bulb Onions 90–120 days · Transplant Garlic 210–240 days · Cloves Leeks 90–120 days · Transplant Collards 55–75 days · Both

Cool Season Plants

Lettuce 35–60 days · Both Spinach 35–50 days · Direct sow Radishes 25–35 days · Direct sow Potatoes 75–120 days · Tuber Snap Peas 55–70 days · Direct sow Cilantro 25–45 days · Direct sow Dill 40–60 days · Direct sow Arugula 20–40 days · Direct sow Nasturtiums 50–65 days · Direct sow Borage 50–60 days · Direct sow Calendula 50–70 days · Both Chamomile 60–70 days · Direct sow

Year-Round Plants

Green Onions 50–70 days · Both Basil 45–70 days · Both Parsley 60–80 days · Both Mint 50–60 days · Transplant Rosemary 90–120 days · Transplant Oregano 70–90 days · Transplant Thyme 70–90 days · Transplant Sage 75–90 days · Transplant Lavender 90–120 days · Transplant Blueberries 365+ days · Transplant Blackberries 365+ days · Transplant Grapes 365+ days · Transplant

Garden Kits for Zone 10

These curated plant collections are designed to work in your zone.

🌶️
Salsa Box
Everything for fresh homemade salsa, all season long.
5 plants
 🥗
Salad Lovers
Fresh salad greens and toppings straight from your garden.
6 plants
 🥕
Kid-Friendly Crunch
High-engagement crops kids love to pick and eat.
5 plants
 🥬
Smoothie Greens
Nutrient-packed greens for smoothies and juicing.
4 plants
 🌿
Herb Heaven
The essential culinary herb collection.
5 plants
 🇲🇹
Italian Feast
Classic Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, and garlic.
5 plants
 🌮
Taco Night
Grow your own taco toppings: fresh lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.
5 plants
 ☀️
Summer Bounty
The best of summer: cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and basil.
4 plants
 🐝
Pollinator Paradise
Flowers that attract pollinators and look gorgeous in your garden beds.
4 plants
 🍲
Exotic Asia
Asian-inspired garden with bok choy, Thai basil, lemongrass, and more.
5 plants
 🌈
Beautiful Foods
Colorful, photogenic crops that look as good as they taste.
6 plants
 🥦
Brassica Box
The cool-season powerhouse: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and more.
8 plants
 🍿
Snack Garden
Grab-and-go snacking crops the whole family will graze on.
4 plants
 🍓
Strawberry Patch
A dedicated strawberry bed with companion flowers and herbs.
3 plants
 🇱🇪
Mediterranean
Sun-loving flavors of the Mediterranean: eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
5 plants
 🍸
Happy Hour
Cocktail garden essentials: fresh herbs and garnish crops for drinks.
5 plants
 🥢
Asian Stir Fry
Stir fry essentials: bok choy, scallions, cilantro, snow peas, and Thai basil.
5 plants

Create Your Own Plant Playlist

Use our kit themes as a starting point and build a custom planting plan for your garden.

Create a Playlist

Growing Tips for Zone 10

☀️ Heat Management
Summer highs reach 85–100°F+ in Zone 10. Use 30-50% shade cloth over cool-season crops. Water deeply in the morning.
🪲 Common Pests
Watch for: aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, cabbage worms. Use companion planting and row covers as first-line defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows best in Zone 10?
Zone 10 supports 105 different plants. Popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. The best picks depend on the season — warm-season crops thrive in spring/summer while cool-season crops do better in fall/winter.
What is USDA Hardiness Zone 10?
USDA Zone 10 has winter lows of 35–45°F and summer highs of 85–100°F+. Frost risk is rare and heat concern is high. You can expect 3 growing cycles per year.
When should I start planting in Zone 10?
Timing varies by crop. Cool-season crops can often be started in early spring or fall. Warm-season crops should wait until after the last frost risk passes. Check our individual plant guides for zone-specific planting windows.
Do I need shade cloth in Zone 10?
Yes, shade cloth is recommended in Zone 10 during the hottest months. Use 30-50% shade cloth over cool-season crops and heat-sensitive plants to protect them from sun stress.

Cities in Zone 10

38 major cities fall in Zone 10. Select yours for a local planting guide.

Los Angeles CA · 10b San Diego CA · 10a San Francisco CA · 10b Long Beach CA · 10b Oakland CA · 10a Tampa FL · 10a Anaheim CA · 10a Santa Ana CA · 10a Irvine CA · 10a Orlando FL · 10a Chula Vista CA · 10b St. Petersburg FL · 10a Port St. Lucie FL · 10a Fremont CA · 10a Hialeah FL · 10b Oxnard CA · 10a

+ 22 more cities · View all cities

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