California, US
Planting calendar for Irvine
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors Apr 4 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18.
- Frost
- Frost is rare here
Frost comes in fewer than half of years, so there’s no last or first frost date to work from. Dates below go by how warm it is instead. On a clear, still winter night a light frost can still happen, so cover tender plants then.
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Irvine. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)
| 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 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 under cover |
 Chile pepper | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Bell pepper | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Eggplant | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | 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 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 under cover |
 Sweet corn | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | 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: 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 |
 Potato | 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 |
| 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 |
 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 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: Not this month | 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: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | 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: Not this month |
 Fava beanWinters 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and 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: Plant under cover | 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 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 |
 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: 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 |
 Broccoli | 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 |
 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 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: 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 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 |
 Bok choy | 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: 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 |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
 Basil | 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 |
 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | 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 |
 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: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and 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: 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 |
 RaspberryWinters 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 |
 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 May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 16
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 4 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18
- Under cover
- Mar 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 16
- 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.
Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 2 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 19; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 17
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 2 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 19
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 17
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around June 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 11 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 15; Under cover Mar 14 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 13
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 11 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 15
- Under cover
- Mar 14 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 13
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 11, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors Apr 11 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 15; Under cover Mar 14 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 13
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 11 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 15
- Under cover
- Mar 14 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 13
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 11, ready around July 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 2 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 22; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 19
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 2 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 22
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 19
- First harvest
- About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around May 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors Apr 2 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 20; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 17
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 2 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 20
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 17
- First harvest
- About 55 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around May 27.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors Apr 2 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 19; Under cover Mar 5 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 17
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 2 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 19
- Under cover
- Mar 5 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 17
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 2, ready around June 7.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 24 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 26; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 23
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 26
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 23
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around June 2.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 22; Under cover Jul 19 to May 20
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 22
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 20
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 27; Under cover Jul 19 to May 25
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 27
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 25
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around September 27.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 30; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 27
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 30
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 27
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Sep 8 to May 21; Under cover Aug 11 to Jun 18
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 8 to May 21
- Under cover
- Aug 11 to Jun 18
- First harvest
- About 17 days after sowing. Sown on September 8, ready around September 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 9; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 6
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 9
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 6
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around October 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Aug 31 to Jun 1; Under cover Aug 3 to Jun 29
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 31 to Jun 1
- Under cover
- Aug 3 to Jun 29
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on August 31, ready around October 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Sep 16 to May 10; Under cover Aug 19 to Jun 7
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 16 to May 10
- Under cover
- Aug 19 to Jun 7
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on September 16, ready around October 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Sep 16 to May 10; Under cover Aug 19 to Jun 7
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 16 to May 10
- Under cover
- Aug 19 to Jun 7
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on September 16, ready around October 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Sep 16 to May 10; Under cover Aug 19 to Jun 7
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 16 to May 10
- Under cover
- Aug 19 to Jun 7
- First harvest
- About 25 days after sowing. Sown on September 16, ready around October 11.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 13; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 10
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 13
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 10
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Mar 24 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 23; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 20
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to May 25, and Aug 16 to Oct 23
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 22, and Jul 19 to Nov 20
- First harvest
- About 68 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around May 31.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Mar 24 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 24; Under cover Feb 24 to Jun 30, and Jul 19 to Nov 21
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 24 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 24
- Under cover
- Feb 24 to Jun 30, and Jul 19 to Nov 21
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around May 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanNot here: winters too mild here
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: winters too mild here
- Under cover
- No
- First harvest
- Not grown here.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Sep 8 to Apr 14; Under cover Aug 11 to May 12
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 8 to Apr 14
- Under cover
- Aug 11 to May 12
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on September 8, ready around October 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 4; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 1
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 4
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 1
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Nov 14 to Jan 12; Under cover Oct 17 to Feb 9
- Plant outdoors
- Nov 14 to Jan 12
- Under cover
- Oct 17 to Feb 9
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 14, ready around July 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 29; Under cover Jul 19 to May 27
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 29
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 27
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 24
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 27
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 24
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Aug 16 to May 14; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 11
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to May 14
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 11
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 12; Under cover Jul 19 to May 10
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 12
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 10
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Sep 8 to Apr 14; Under cover Aug 11 to May 12
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 8 to Apr 14
- Under cover
- Aug 11 to May 12
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on September 8, ready around November 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 14; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 11
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 14
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 11
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around December 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 27; Under cover Jul 19 to May 25
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 27
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 25
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Sep 16 to May 10; Under cover Aug 19 to Jun 7
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 16 to May 10
- Under cover
- Aug 19 to Jun 7
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on September 16, ready around October 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Jan 12 to Apr 13, and Aug 16 to Oct 25; Under cover Jul 19 to Nov 22, and Dec 15 to May 11
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 12 to Apr 13, and Aug 16 to Oct 25
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Nov 22, and Dec 15 to May 11
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on January 12, ready around February 17.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Sep 16 to May 10; Under cover Aug 19 to Jun 7
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 16 to May 10
- Under cover
- Aug 19 to Jun 7
- First harvest
- About 30 days after sowing. Sown on September 16, ready around October 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 30; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 27
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 30
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 27
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
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.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 14; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 11
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 14
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 11
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryNot 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.
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.
Questions about growing in Irvine
Does it frost in Irvine?
Not often: frost comes in fewer than half of years, so sowing here goes by warmth rather than frost dates. A light frost can still happen on a clear, still winter night.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Irvine?
Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 4 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18, or under cover Mar 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 16.
What can I sow in Irvine in November?
Outdoors: tomato, chile pepper, bell pepper, eggplant, winter squash, carrot, beet, parsnip, radish, potato, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, celery, pea, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, kale, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, chives, mint, strawberry. Under cover: zucchini, cucumber, sweet corn, runner bean, green bean, basil.
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 Irvine. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soonHow 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