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Can You Grow Avocado in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Avocados grow as outdoor trees here — plant in a frost-free location with excellent drainage.

Plant zones

9b–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Avocado

Avocados need frost-free conditions year-round and take 3-5 years to bear fruit from seed.

Outdoors only in Zone 9b-11. In colder zones grow dwarf varieties in large containers indoors near a sunny window — they will not produce fruit reliably indoors but make beautiful houseplants. Very frost-sensitive.

Full avocado growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.

See what grows well in California →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Avocado in California?

Avocados grow as outdoor trees here — plant in a frost-free location with excellent drainage.

What zone is California?

California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Avocados in California?

See the planting guide for Avocado — timing depends on your exact frost date.