California, US

Planting calendar for Bakersfield

Last frost around February 5, first frost around December 24: about 322 frost-free days.

Last frost: February 5
First frost: December 24
Frost-free days: 322

Sow now: November

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Bakersfield. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Bakersfield, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beet	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Parsnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Radish	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Potato	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Turnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Spinach	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Swiss chard	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Arugula	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Celery	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Pea	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Garlic	January: Plant under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Scallion	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Shallot	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Broccoli	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Cauliflower	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Brussels sprout	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Kale	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Bok choy	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Cilantro	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Chives	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Mint	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Raspberry	January: Plant under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
RhubarbWinters too mild here	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors Mar 26 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 15; Under cover Feb 26 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 15
Under cover: Feb 26 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on March 26, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Mar 25 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 14; Under cover Feb 25 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 14
Under cover: Feb 25 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Mar 30 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 16; Under cover Mar 2 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 16
Under cover: Mar 2 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Mar 30 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 2 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 2 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 28.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Mar 25 to May 5, and Aug 2 to Oct 2; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 2, and Jul 5 to Oct 30

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 5, and Aug 2 to Oct 2
Under cover: Feb 25 to Jun 2, and Jul 5 to Oct 30
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around May 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Mar 25 to May 5, and Aug 2 to Sep 28; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 2, and Jul 5 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 5, and Aug 2 to Sep 28
Under cover: Feb 25 to Jun 2, and Jul 5 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around May 18.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Mar 25 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 16; Under cover Feb 25 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 16
Under cover: Feb 25 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around May 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 20 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 18; Under cover Feb 20 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 16

Sow outdoors: Mar 20 to Apr 25, and Aug 2 to Sep 18
Under cover: Feb 20 to May 23, and Jul 5 to Oct 16
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on March 20, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Aug 19 to Oct 14, and Nov 29 to Apr 16; Under cover Jul 22 to May 14

Sow outdoors: Aug 19 to Oct 14, and Nov 29 to Apr 16
Under cover: Jul 22 to May 14
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around October 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Jan 6 to Apr 21, and Aug 12 to Oct 10; Under cover Jul 15 to Nov 7, and Dec 9 to May 19

Sow outdoors: Jan 6 to Apr 21, and Aug 12 to Oct 10
Under cover: Jul 15 to Nov 7, and Dec 9 to May 19
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 6, ready around February 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Aug 19 to Mar 24; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 21

Sow outdoors: Aug 19 to Mar 24
Under cover: Jul 22 to Apr 21
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around November 5.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Jan 7 to Apr 20, and Sep 9 to Nov 13; Under cover Aug 12 to May 18

Sow outdoors: Jan 7 to Apr 20, and Sep 9 to Nov 13
Under cover: Aug 12 to May 18
First harvest: About 34 days after sowing. Sown on January 7, ready around February 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Aug 24 to Oct 16, and Nov 28 to Mar 3; Under cover Jul 27 to Mar 31

Plant outdoors: Aug 24 to Oct 16, and Nov 28 to Mar 3
Under cover: Jul 27 to Mar 31
First harvest: About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 24, ready around October 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Jan 7 to Apr 27, and Sep 4 to Oct 22; Under cover Aug 7 to Nov 19, and Dec 10 to May 25

Sow outdoors: Jan 7 to Apr 27, and Sep 4 to Oct 22
Under cover: Aug 7 to Nov 19, and Dec 10 to May 25
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on January 7, ready around March 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Sep 14 to Oct 23, and Dec 26 to Apr 14; Under cover Aug 17 to May 12

Sow outdoors: Sep 14 to Oct 23, and Dec 26 to Apr 14
Under cover: Aug 17 to May 12
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Sep 14 to Apr 14; Under cover Aug 17 to May 12

Sow outdoors: Sep 14 to Apr 14
Under cover: Aug 17 to May 12
First harvest: About 27 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Jan 7 to Jun 1, and Aug 5 to Oct 22; Under cover Jul 8 to Nov 19, and Dec 10 to Jun 29

Sow outdoors: Jan 7 to Jun 1, and Aug 5 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jul 8 to Nov 19, and Dec 10 to Jun 29
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on January 7, ready around March 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Sep 14 to Nov 22, and Dec 31 to Apr 14; Under cover Aug 17 to May 12

Sow outdoors: Sep 14 to Nov 22, and Dec 31 to Apr 14
Under cover: Aug 17 to May 12
First harvest: About 24 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Aug 24 to Mar 7; Under cover Jul 27 to Apr 4

Sow outdoors: Aug 24 to Mar 7
Under cover: Jul 27 to Apr 4
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 24, ready around November 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Mar 20 to May 5, and Aug 12 to Sep 22; Under cover Feb 20 to Jun 2, and Jul 15 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 20 to May 5, and Aug 12 to Sep 22
Under cover: Feb 20 to Jun 2, and Jul 15 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on March 20, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Mar 20 to May 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 30; Under cover Feb 20 to Jun 17, and Jul 5 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Mar 20 to May 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 30
Under cover: Feb 20 to Jun 17, and Jul 5 to Oct 28
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on March 20, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 8 to Jan 6; Under cover Oct 11 to Feb 3

Sow outdoors: Nov 8 to Jan 6
Under cover: Oct 11 to Feb 3
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 8, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Jan 5 to Apr 8, and Sep 9 to Oct 5; Under cover Aug 12 to Nov 2, and Dec 8 to May 6

Sow outdoors: Jan 5 to Apr 8, and Sep 9 to Oct 5
Under cover: Aug 12 to Nov 2, and Dec 8 to May 6
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 5, ready around February 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Aug 19 to Feb 26; Under cover Jul 22 to Mar 26

Plant outdoors: Aug 19 to Feb 26
Under cover: Jul 22 to Mar 26
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 19, ready around November 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 8 to Jan 6; Under cover Oct 11 to Feb 3

Plant outdoors: Nov 8 to Jan 6
Under cover: Oct 11 to Feb 3
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 8, ready around July 16.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Aug 12 to Apr 23; Under cover Jul 15 to May 21

Sow outdoors: Aug 12 to Apr 23
Under cover: Jul 15 to May 21
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 12, ready around November 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Aug 5 to Jun 1; Under cover Jul 8 to Jun 29

Sow outdoors: Aug 5 to Jun 1
Under cover: Jul 8 to Jun 29
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on August 5, ready around September 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Aug 19 to Mar 21; Under cover Jul 22 to Apr 18

Plant outdoors: Aug 19 to Mar 21
Under cover: Jul 22 to Apr 18
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 19, ready around November 5.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Aug 24 to May 8; Under cover Jul 27 to Jun 5

Sow outdoors: Aug 24 to May 8
Under cover: Jul 27 to Jun 5
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 24, ready around October 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Aug 24 to Oct 5, and Dec 22 to Apr 6; Under cover Jul 27 to Nov 2, and Nov 24 to May 4

Sow outdoors: Aug 24 to Oct 5, and Dec 22 to Apr 6
Under cover: Jul 27 to Nov 2, and Nov 24 to May 4
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on August 24, ready around October 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Sep 9 to Apr 8; Under cover Aug 12 to May 6

Sow outdoors: Sep 9 to Apr 8
Under cover: Aug 12 to May 6
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on September 9, ready around November 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 24 to Mar 8; Under cover Jul 27 to Apr 5

Sow outdoors: Aug 24 to Mar 8
Under cover: Jul 27 to Apr 5
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 24, ready around December 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Aug 19 to Oct 9, and Dec 30 to Apr 21; Under cover Jul 22 to Nov 6, and Dec 2 to May 19

Sow outdoors: Aug 19 to Oct 9, and Dec 30 to Apr 21
Under cover: Jul 22 to Nov 6, and Dec 2 to May 19
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on August 19, ready around October 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Feb 10 to Apr 14, and Sep 14 to Nov 2; Under cover Jan 13 to May 12, and Aug 17 to Nov 30

Sow outdoors: Feb 10 to Apr 14, and Sep 14 to Nov 2
Under cover: Jan 13 to May 12, and Aug 17 to Nov 30
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on February 10, ready around March 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Feb 10 to May 12, and Aug 2 to Oct 3; Under cover Jan 13 to Jun 9, and Jul 5 to Oct 31

Sow outdoors: Feb 10 to May 12, and Aug 2 to Oct 3
Under cover: Jan 13 to Jun 9, and Jul 5 to Oct 31
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on February 10, ready around April 16.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Aug 12 to May 24; Under cover Jul 15 to Jun 21

Sow outdoors: Aug 12 to May 24
Under cover: Jul 15 to Jun 21
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on August 12, ready around September 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Jan 7 to Apr 14, and Sep 14 to Nov 5; Under cover Aug 17 to May 12

Sow outdoors: Jan 7 to Apr 14, and Sep 14 to Nov 5
Under cover: Aug 17 to May 12
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on January 7, ready around March 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Aug 2 to Oct 8, and Dec 31 to Mar 24; Under cover Jul 5 to Nov 5, and Dec 3 to Apr 21

Sow outdoors: Aug 2 to Oct 8, and Dec 31 to Mar 24
Under cover: Jul 5 to Nov 5, and Dec 3 to Apr 21
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Aug 5 to Oct 13, and Dec 13 to Mar 8; Under cover Jul 8 to Apr 5

Plant outdoors: Aug 5 to Oct 13, and Dec 13 to Mar 8
Under cover: Jul 8 to Apr 5
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Dec 4 to Jan 6; Under cover Nov 6 to Feb 3

Plant outdoors: Dec 4 to Jan 6
Under cover: Nov 6 to Feb 3
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbNot here: winters too mild here

Plant outdoors: Not here: winters too mild here
Under cover: No
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Bakersfield

When is the last frost in Bakersfield?

On average around February 5, and the first autumn frost comes around December 24. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Bakersfield?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Mar 26 to Apr 20, and Aug 2 to Sep 15, or under cover Feb 26 to May 18, and Jul 5 to Oct 13.

What can I sow in Bakersfield in November?

Outdoors: parsnip, radish, spinach, arugula, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, parsley, mint. Under cover: carrot, beet, potato, turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, broccoli, bok choy, cilantro, strawberry, raspberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Bakersfield. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work