San Francisco has two USDA planting zones: 10a and 10b, according to the latest USDA data released in 2023.
Zone 10a, with temperatures from 30°F to 35°F, covers smaller southern areas like Lake Merced. Zone 10b, slightly warmer at 35°F to 40°F, dominates most of the city, including downtown, North Beach, and the Mission.
Locate your specific USDA planting zone in San Francisco, using our three tools given below, Zipcode to planting zone tool, Easy interactive map or by using planting zone table.
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Planting Zones San Francisco Map
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San Francisco Area Planting Zone
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San Francisco Planting Zones Table
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What are the two planting zones in San Francisco?
San Francisco located in northern California is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and its famous fog, which results in two USDA planting zones: 10a and 10b.
These zones are affected by the city’s varied sunshine patterns and hilly terrain, which can impact plant growth and choices. Also, the city’s soil types, ranging from urban soils to natural sandy, clay, and loamy soils, play a big role in plant selection and growth.
1. Zone 10a
Zone 10a, shown in yellow color on our map above, covers San Francisco’s southern neighborhoods, including Lake Merced and the Sunset District, with 30°F–35°F (-1°C–2°C) minimum temperatures. This zone experiences frequent summer fog reducing sunlight exposure and contains sandy coastal soils influenced by Pacific Ocean proximity. California Poppies and succulents thrive here due to cooler microclimates and drought tolerance.
2. Zone 10b
Zone 10b, shown in light green color on the map, occupies 75% of San Francisco with 35°F–40°F (2°C–4°C) minimum temperatures, covering most of the city, including downtown, the Financial District, North Beach, and the Marina. It also extends to popular neighborhoods like the Mission, Castro, and Noe Valley.
These areas benefit from clearer skies and more sunshine, especially during the fall months of September and October, which are typically the sunniest in San Francisco. The city’s hilly terrain, including notable hills like Telegraph Hill and Nob Hill, can create microclimates within this zone.
The soil types in this zone can vary, with urban soils predominant in heavily developed areas and a mix of clay and loamy soils in other parts. This zone is suitable for a various plants, including ornamentals like Hydrangea and edible plants such as Meyer Lemon trees.
The city’s numerous parks and open spaces, such as Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, also influence local environments for plant growth within these zones.
Which Plants perform well in San Francisco?
Following plants perform well in San Fransciso:
Native Plants:
- California Poppy
- Ceanothus (California Lilac)
- Manzanita
Drought-Tolerant Plants:
- Lavender
- Succulents (Echeveria, Sedum)
- Rosemary
Ornamental Plants:
- Fuchsia
- Hydrangea
- Japanese Maple
Edible Plants:
- Meyer Lemon
- Artichokes
- Kale and leafy greens