California, US

Planting calendar for Chico

Last frost around February 27, first frost around December 8: about 284 frost-free days.

Last frost: February 27
First frost: December 8
Frost-free days: 284

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Parsnip
Spinach
Celery
Fava bean
Onion
Garlic
Leek
Shallot
Brussels sprout
Mint

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Chico. 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 Chico, 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: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile 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: Not this month	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: Not this month	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: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow 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
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow 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
Winter squash	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
Sweet corn	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
Roots
Carrot	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
Beet	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
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 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 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: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant 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: Not this month	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 under cover
Swiss chard	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 outdoors and 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: Not this month
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 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: 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 under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow 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
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow 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: Sow under cover	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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 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 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: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	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
Broccoli	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: 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
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: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow 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: 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
Kale	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
Bok choy	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: 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: 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
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 under cover	December: Sow under cover
Cilantro	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
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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Mint	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 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: 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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Plant under cover
Raspberry	January: Plant outdoors and 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 Apr 4 to Apr 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 7 to May 27, and Jul 3 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 7 to May 27, and Jul 3 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 3 to Apr 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 7; Under cover Mar 6 to May 27, and Jul 3 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 7
Under cover: Mar 6 to May 27, and Jul 3 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 26.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 7 to May 3, and Jul 31 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 10 to May 31, and Jul 3 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to May 3, and Jul 31 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 10 to May 31, and Jul 3 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around June 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 7 to Apr 28, and Jul 31 to Sep 7; Under cover Mar 10 to May 26, and Jul 3 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 7 to Apr 28, and Jul 31 to Sep 7
Under cover: Mar 10 to May 26, and Jul 3 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 7, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 3 to May 14, and Jul 31 to Sep 25; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 11, and Jul 3 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 14, and Jul 31 to Sep 25
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 11, and Jul 3 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 3 to May 14, and Jul 31 to Sep 20; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 11, and Jul 3 to Oct 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 14, and Jul 31 to Sep 20
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 11, and Jul 3 to Oct 18
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 3 to May 4, and Jul 31 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 1, and Jul 3 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 4, and Jul 31 to Sep 9
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 1, and Jul 3 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 29 to May 4, and Jul 31 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 3 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 4, and Jul 31 to Sep 10
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 3 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Feb 4 to May 15, and Aug 11 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 14 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to May 15, and Aug 11 to Sep 24
Under cover: Jan 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 14 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 102 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Feb 4 to May 20, and Aug 4 to Sep 29; Under cover Jan 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 7 to Oct 27

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to May 20, and Aug 4 to Sep 29
Under cover: Jan 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 7 to Oct 27
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around April 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Aug 11 to Sep 19, and Nov 18 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 14 to Apr 24

Sow outdoors: Aug 11 to Sep 19, and Nov 18 to Mar 27
Under cover: Jul 14 to Apr 24
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 11, ready around October 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 3; Under cover Aug 6 to Dec 1, and Dec 13 to May 25

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 27, and Sep 3 to Nov 3
Under cover: Aug 6 to Dec 1, and Dec 13 to May 25
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around February 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Aug 17 to Sep 25, and Dec 22 to Mar 6; Under cover Jul 20 to Oct 23, and Nov 24 to Apr 3

Plant outdoors: Aug 17 to Sep 25, and Dec 22 to Mar 6
Under cover: Jul 20 to Oct 23, and Nov 24 to Apr 3
First harvest: About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 17, ready around October 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Jan 10 to May 3, and Aug 28 to Oct 11; Under cover Jul 31 to Nov 8, and Dec 13 to May 31

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to May 3, and Aug 28 to Oct 11
Under cover: Jul 31 to Nov 8, and Dec 13 to May 31
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 9; Under cover Aug 11 to Nov 6, and Dec 13 to May 19

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 9
Under cover: Aug 11 to Nov 6, and Dec 13 to May 19
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around April 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Nov 8; Under cover Aug 11 to May 19

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Nov 8
Under cover: Aug 11 to May 19
First harvest: About 58 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 4 to Jun 9, and Jul 26 to Oct 11; Under cover Jan 7 to Nov 8

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to Jun 9, and Jul 26 to Oct 11
Under cover: Jan 7 to Nov 8
First harvest: About 67 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around April 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Nov 5; Under cover Aug 11 to Dec 3, and Dec 13 to May 19

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Nov 5
Under cover: Aug 11 to Dec 3, and Dec 13 to May 19
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Aug 17 to Sep 27, and Nov 10 to Mar 10; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 7

Sow outdoors: Aug 17 to Sep 27, and Nov 10 to Mar 10
Under cover: Jul 20 to Apr 7
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around November 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Mar 29 to May 14, and Aug 4 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 11, and Jul 7 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 14, and Aug 4 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 11, and Jul 7 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Mar 29 to May 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 1 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 22
Under cover: Mar 1 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 5 to Dec 24; Under cover Oct 8 to Jan 21

Sow outdoors: Nov 5 to Dec 24
Under cover: Oct 8 to Jan 21
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 5, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Sep 3 to Sep 23; Under cover Aug 6 to Oct 21, and Dec 12 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Sep 3 to Sep 23
Under cover: Aug 6 to Oct 21, and Dec 12 to May 9
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 9, ready around February 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Aug 11 to Mar 1; Under cover Jul 14 to Mar 29

Plant outdoors: Aug 11 to Mar 1
Under cover: Jul 14 to Mar 29
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 11, ready around November 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 5 to Jan 9; Under cover Oct 8 to Feb 6

Plant outdoors: Nov 5 to Jan 9
Under cover: Oct 8 to Feb 6
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 5, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Aug 4 to Apr 26; Under cover Jul 7 to May 24

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Apr 26
Under cover: Jul 7 to May 24
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around November 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Jul 26 to Nov 6, and Dec 15 to Jun 9; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Jul 26 to Nov 6, and Dec 15 to Jun 9
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on July 26, ready around September 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Aug 11 to Sep 27, and Nov 10 to Mar 24; Under cover Jul 14 to Apr 21

Plant outdoors: Aug 11 to Sep 27, and Nov 10 to Mar 24
Under cover: Jul 14 to Apr 21
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 11, ready around October 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Aug 17 to Oct 1, and Dec 2 to May 11; Under cover Jul 20 to Jun 8

Sow outdoors: Aug 17 to Oct 1, and Dec 2 to May 11
Under cover: Jul 20 to Jun 8
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around October 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Feb 4 to May 5, and Aug 17 to Sep 21; Under cover Jan 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 20 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to May 5, and Aug 17 to Sep 21
Under cover: Jan 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 20 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 94 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Sep 3 to Sep 18, and Dec 2 to Apr 11; Under cover Aug 6 to Aug 21, and Sep 3 to Sep 18, and Oct 1 to Oct 16, and Nov 4 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Sep 3 to Sep 18, and Dec 2 to Apr 11
Under cover: Aug 6 to Aug 21, and Sep 3 to Sep 18, and Oct 1 to Oct 16, and Nov 4 to May 9
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on September 3, ready around November 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 17 to Mar 11; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 8

Sow outdoors: Aug 17 to Mar 11
Under cover: Jul 20 to Apr 8
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around December 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Feb 4 to May 20, and Aug 11 to Sep 27; Under cover Jan 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 14 to Oct 25

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to May 20, and Aug 11 to Sep 27
Under cover: Jan 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 14 to Oct 25
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around May 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Feb 25 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 22; Under cover Jan 28 to May 19, and Aug 11 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 25 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jan 28 to May 19, and Aug 11 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on February 25, ready around April 13.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Feb 27 to May 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 26; Under cover Jan 30 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Feb 27 to May 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 26
Under cover: Jan 30 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on February 27, ready around April 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Aug 4 to Oct 17, and Dec 31 to May 30; Under cover Jul 7 to Nov 14, and Dec 3 to Jun 27

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Oct 17, and Dec 31 to May 30
Under cover: Jul 7 to Nov 14, and Dec 3 to Jun 27
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around September 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 4 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 23; Under cover Jan 7 to May 19, and Aug 11 to Nov 20

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to Apr 21, and Sep 8 to Oct 23
Under cover: Jan 7 to May 19, and Aug 11 to Nov 20
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on February 4, ready around April 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Jul 31 to Sep 26; Under cover Jul 3 to Oct 24, and Dec 12 to Apr 24

Sow outdoors: Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Jul 31 to Sep 26
Under cover: Jul 3 to Oct 24, and Dec 12 to Apr 24
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 Feb 4 to Dec 18; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 4 to Dec 18
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 Jan 2 to Mar 11, and Jul 31 to Sep 27; Under cover Jul 3 to Oct 25, and Dec 5 to Apr 8

Plant outdoors: Jan 2 to Mar 11, and Jul 31 to Sep 27
Under cover: Jul 3 to Oct 25, and Dec 5 to Apr 8
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 Nov 29 to Jan 9; Under cover Nov 1 to Feb 6

Plant outdoors: Nov 29 to Jan 9
Under cover: Nov 1 to Feb 6
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 Chico

When is the last frost in Chico?

On average around February 27, and the first autumn frost comes around December 8. 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 Chico?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 4 to Apr 29, and Jul 31 to Sep 8, or under cover Mar 7 to May 27, and Jul 3 to Oct 6.

What can I sow in Chico in November?

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