DibbleCalifornia planting calendar
California falls in USDA Zones 5 to 11. Here is a planting calendar for Zone 9, the most common zone across California, with start, sow, transplant, and harvest dates for every crop. Set your garden's location in Dibble for dates tuned to your exact spot.
Right now in California
What has a planting window open in Zone 9 this month and next, and what is coming in from the garden. Every crop links to its exact dates.
January in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Tomato, Pepper, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Hot Pepper, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Blueberry, Blackberry, Asparagus, Grape, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Lavender, Collard Greens, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
Harvesting: Radish, Dahlia, Tulip, Strawberry, Asparagus, Rosemary, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Parsnip, Celery, Nasturtium, Shallot
February in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Tomato, Pepper, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Blueberry, Blackberry, Asparagus, Grape, Fig, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Cauliflower, Lavender, Collard Greens, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Harvesting: Lettuce, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Tulip, Strawberry, Asparagus, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Parsnip, Arugula, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Bok Choy, Shallot, Kohlrabi
March in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Tomato, Pepper, Basil, Marigold, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Bean (bush), Pea, Cucumber, Zucchini, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Sweet Corn, Cilantro, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Arugula, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Tomato, Pepper, Kale, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Blueberry, Blackberry, Asparagus, Grape, Fig, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Lavender, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Harvesting: Onion, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Beet, Radish, Cabbage, Cilantro, Sunflower, Asparagus, Parsley, Dill, Chives, Swiss Chard, Cauliflower, Turnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
April in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Pepper, Basil, Marigold, Chives, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Bean (bush), Cucumber, Zucchini, Beet, Radish, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Nasturtium, Calendula, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Shallot, Chamomile
- Transplant: Tomato, Pepper, Sweet Potato, Basil, Marigold, Thyme, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Lavender, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens
Harvesting: Lettuce, Carrot, Bean (bush), Pea, Zucchini, Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Beet, Cabbage, Basil, Cilantro, Sunflower, Marigold, Parsley, Dill, Thyme, Sage, Chives, Swiss Chard, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Turnip, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile, Cherry
May in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Pepper, Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Leek, Hot Pepper
- Direct sow: Cucumber, Zucchini, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Green Onion
- Transplant: Pepper, Sweet Potato, Basil, Marigold, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Lavender, Hot Pepper, Collard Greens
Harvesting: Tomato, Pepper, Potato, Onion, Carrot, Bean (bush), Cucumber, Zucchini, Winter Squash, Kale, Sweet Corn, Cabbage, Basil, Dahlia, Zinnia, Marigold, Cosmos, Blueberry, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Swiss Chard, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Okra, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Lavender, Pumpkin, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Fennel, Chamomile, Peach, Cherry, Apricot
June in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo
- Direct sow: Cucumber, Zucchini, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Green Onion
- Transplant: Pepper, Sweet Potato, Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Hot Pepper
Harvesting: Tomato, Pepper, Garlic, Cucumber, Zucchini, Winter Squash, Kale, Sweet Potato, Basil, Dahlia, Zinnia, Marigold, Cosmos, Blueberry, Blackberry, Grape, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Swiss Chard, Leek, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Lavender, Pumpkin, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Chamomile, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Apricot
July in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Tomato, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Parsley, Eggplant, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Cucumber, Zucchini, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Green Onion, Shallot
- Transplant: Pepper, Sweet Potato, Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Leek, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Harvesting: Tomato, Pepper, Garlic, Sweet Potato, Basil, Dahlia, Zinnia, Marigold, Cosmos, Blackberry, Grape, Fig, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Okra, Watermelon, Nasturtium, Lavender, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Apple, Pear, Plum
August in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Parsley, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Carrot, Bean (bush), Cucumber, Zucchini, Beet, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Parsnip, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Green Onion, Fennel, Shallot, Chamomile
- Transplant: Tomato, Sweet Potato, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Harvesting: Dahlia, Fig, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Hot Pepper
September in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Bean (bush), Pea, Cucumber, Zucchini, Winter Squash, Beet, Sweet Corn, Cilantro, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Dill, Swiss Chard, Parsnip, Okra, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Pumpkin, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Tomato, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Strawberry, Parsley, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Harvesting: Fig, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives
October in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Garlic, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Parsnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Strawberry, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Lavender, Collard Greens
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
Harvesting: Tomato, Bean (bush), Winter Squash, Dahlia, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Pumpkin, Tomatillo
November in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Garlic, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Parsnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Lavender, Collard Greens
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
Harvesting: Tomato, Dahlia, Rosemary, Leek, Nasturtium, Tomatillo
December in Zone 9
- Start seeds indoors: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Sage, Chives, Cauliflower, Leek, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Garlic, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Parsnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile
- Transplant: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Lavender, Collard Greens
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
Harvesting: Dahlia, Strawberry, Rosemary, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Parsnip, Celery, Nasturtium, Tomatillo
Any month: January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
What to plant and when in California
| Crop | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | March 15 | May 17 |
| Pepper | March 20 | May 21 |
| Potato | January 28 | May 2 |
| Onion | November 21 | March 4 |
| Garlic | October 8 | June 3 |
| Lettuce | September 18 | February 20 |
| Carrot | August 25 | March 12 |
| Bean (bush) | March 9 | April 29 |
| Pea | September 12 | March 2 |
| Cucumber | March 15 | May 1 |
| Zucchini | March 9 | April 27 |
| Winter Squash | September 5 | May 20 |
| Kale | September 11 | March 2 |
| Spinach | October 20 | February 15 |
| Broccoli | September 8 | March 7 |
| Beet | August 27 | February 25 |
| Radish | October 3 | January 29 |
| Sweet Corn | March 9 | May 9 |
| Sweet Potato | March 17 | June 22 |
| Cabbage | August 25 | March 12 |
| Basil | March 17 | April 18 |
| Cilantro | September 30 | February 20 |
| Dahlia | February 25 | May 26 |
| Zinnia | March 15 | May 8 |
| Sunflower | January 1 | March 22 |
| Marigold | March 17 | April 29 |
| Tulip | October 4 | January 31 |
| Cosmos | March 15 | May 18 |
| Strawberry | September 19 | December 19 |
| Blueberry | January 24 | May 22 |
| Raspberry | Not suited | |
| Blackberry | January 29 | June 8 |
| Asparagus | January 29 | January 28 |
| Rhubarb | Not suited | |
| Grape | January 29 | June 27 |
| Fig | February 19 | July 18 |
| Mint | February 12 | May 13 |
| Parsley | September 3 | March 17 |
| Dill | September 23 | February 25 |
| Thyme | February 12 | April 17 |
| Rosemary | February 19 | June 18 |
| Oregano | February 12 | May 13 |
| Sage | February 11 | April 1 |
| Chives | October 3 | March 22 |
| Eggplant | March 31 | May 27 |
| Swiss Chard | July 20 | February 25 |
| Cauliflower | September 12 | March 12 |
| Brussels Sprouts | September 3 | April 11 |
| Leek | July 23 | May 1 |
| Turnip | October 19 | February 20 |
| Parsnip | August 16 | December 18 |
| Celery | August 19 | December 18 |
| Arugula | October 21 | February 5 |
| Okra | March 31 | May 25 |
| Cantaloupe | March 15 | June 1 |
| Watermelon | March 28 | June 13 |
| Nasturtium | March 9 | April 28 |
| Calendula | September 23 | February 20 |
| Borage | September 23 | February 25 |
| Lavender | October 3 | May 1 |
| Pumpkin | September 5 | May 20 |
| Hot Pepper | March 25 | May 23 |
| Green Onion | July 16 | March 2 |
| Tomatillo | March 11 | May 24 |
| Collard Greens | August 15 | March 2 |
| Bok Choy | September 10 | February 15 |
| Fennel | August 19 | March 22 |
| Shallot | April 11 | January 21 |
| Kohlrabi | September 14 | February 25 |
| Chamomile | August 22 | March 7 |
| Apple | January 22 | June 20 |
| Pear | January 27 | June 21 |
| Peach | January 29 | May 28 |
| Plum | January 22 | June 11 |
| Cherry | January 24 | April 22 |
| Apricot | January 29 | May 19 |
| Lemon | Not suited | |
| Orange | Not suited | |
These dates use Zone 9 as a representative for California. Your town may run a zone warmer or cooler, so Dibble pins the dates to your garden's own location.
Planting seasons in California
Spring planting in California
Zone 9's last spring frost lands around February 10. Spring in California is the crowded season: the last of the indoor starts, the first direct sowings once the soil can be worked, and the transplants that go out after the frost date passes.
- Start seeds indoors: Tomato, Pepper, Basil, Marigold, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Collard Greens, Leek
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Bean (bush), Pea, Cucumber, Zucchini, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Sweet Corn, Cilantro, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Arugula, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Kohlrabi, Chamomile, Shallot
- Transplant: Tomato, Pepper, Kale, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Blueberry, Blackberry, Asparagus, Grape, Fig, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage, Chives, Eggplant, Lavender, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Summer planting in California
Summer in California is succession sowing and the start of the fall garden. Quick crops go in every few weeks, and the cool-season crops for autumn are started while it is still hot.
- Start seeds indoors: Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Tomato, Cabbage, Parsley, Brussels Sprouts, Collard Greens, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower
- Direct sow: Cucumber, Zucchini, Sweet Corn, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Swiss Chard, Okra, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Green Onion, Shallot, Carrot, Bean (bush), Beet, Parsnip, Fennel, Chamomile
- Transplant: Pepper, Sweet Potato, Basil, Marigold, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Leek, Tomatillo, Tomato, Cabbage, Celery, Collard Greens
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Fall planting in California
Zone 9's first fall frost lands around December 10. Fall planting in California means cool-season crops that finish before it, garlic and other bulbs that go in for next year, and anything hardy enough to overwinter.
- Start seeds indoors: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Collard Greens
- Direct sow: Potato, Lettuce, Carrot, Bean (bush), Pea, Cucumber, Zucchini, Winter Squash, Beet, Sweet Corn, Cilantro, Zinnia, Sunflower, Cosmos, Dill, Swiss Chard, Parsnip, Okra, Nasturtium, Calendula, Borage, Pumpkin, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile, Garlic, Spinach, Radish, Turnip, Arugula
- Transplant: Tomato, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil, Marigold, Strawberry, Parsley, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Hot Pepper, Tomatillo, Collard Greens, Chives, Lavender, Onion
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
Winter in California
Winter is a growing season of its own in Zone 9. Cool-season crops go in and come out while colder states are still planning, and the earliest warm-season starts begin indoors before spring.
- Start seeds indoors: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Sage, Chives, Cauliflower, Leek, Collard Greens, Tomato, Pepper, Oregano, Eggplant, Hot Pepper, Basil, Marigold, Tomatillo
- Direct sow: Garlic, Lettuce, Carrot, Pea, Spinach, Beet, Radish, Cilantro, Sunflower, Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Parsnip, Arugula, Calendula, Borage, Green Onion, Bok Choy, Fennel, Shallot, Kohlrabi, Chamomile, Potato
- Transplant: Onion, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley, Chives, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Leek, Celery, Lavender, Collard Greens, Blueberry, Blackberry, Asparagus, Grape, Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot, Fig, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Sage
- Plant bulbs: Tulip
- Plant tubers: Dahlia
These seasons are for Zone 9. For every zone, see what to plant in spring, summer, fall and winter, or what to plant now.
California frost dates
The last spring frost and first fall frost anchor every planting date here. See California frost dates by zone.
Find your exact zone in California
California spans Zones 5 to 11. Pick the zone that matches your area for a full planting calendar:
Zone 5
Planting calendarZone 6
Planting calendarZone 7
Planting calendarZone 8
Planting calendarZone 9
Planting calendarZone 10
Planting calendarZone 11
Planting calendarPlant at the right time this season
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