Skip to content

What Can Grow in San Jose, CA

San Jose's South Bay location enjoys more sun and warmth than San Francisco — excellent for warm crops.

San Jose, CA is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The growing season lasts about 280 days, with last frost around February 20 and first fall frost around November 25. Top crops include tomatoes, peppers, citrus.

9bUSDA Zone
280 daysFrost-Free
February 20Last Frost
November 25First Frost
🌱 What Grows in San Jose
tomatoespepperscitrusartichokesstrawberriesfigs
💡 Planting Tips

More warmth than coastal SF. Plant tomatoes in April. Year-round cool crops possible.

🌱
Shop seeds matched to your zone Burpee, Park Seed, and more — curated for your growing conditions.
Shop Seeds →
🔗 More Resources
📍 Full Zone 9b Guide 🌎 California Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose, CA is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b. San Jose's South Bay location enjoys more sun and warmth than San Francisco — excellent for warm crops.

The average last spring frost in San Jose is around February 20. The first fall frost typically arrives around November 25, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 280 days.

San Jose's Zone 9b climate supports growing tomatoes, peppers, citrus, artichokes, strawberries, figs. More warmth than coastal SF. Plant tomatoes in April. Year-round cool crops possible.

In San Jose, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of February 20. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.