California, US

Planting calendar for Sacramento

Last frost around February 11, first frost around December 6: about 298 frost-free days.

Last frost: February 11
First frost: December 6
Frost-free days: 298

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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento, 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 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 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 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 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	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 under cover	October: Not this month	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 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: 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: 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
Potato	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 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: 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
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 outdoors and 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: 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 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
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 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: 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
Onion family
Onion	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
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 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: 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
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: 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 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 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 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: 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: 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: 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 31 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 3 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Mar 31 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 3 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on March 31, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Mar 30 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 2 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 1
Under cover: Mar 2 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 22.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 4 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 7 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 7 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 4 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 1
Under cover: Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around July 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Mar 30 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 22
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Mar 30 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 17; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 15

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 17
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 15
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Mar 30 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 4; Under cover Mar 2 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 2

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 4
Under cover: Mar 2 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 2
First harvest: About 75 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 25 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 6; Under cover Feb 25 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to Apr 30, and Aug 4 to Sep 6
Under cover: Feb 25 to May 28, and Jul 7 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Feb 5 to May 16, and Aug 4 to Sep 20; Under cover Jan 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 7 to Oct 18

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to May 16, and Aug 4 to Sep 20
Under cover: Jan 8 to Jun 13, and Jul 7 to Oct 18
First harvest: About 101 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Feb 5 to May 21, and Aug 4 to Sep 27; Under cover Jan 8 to Jun 18, and Jul 7 to Oct 25

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to May 21, and Aug 4 to Sep 27
Under cover: Jan 8 to Jun 18, and Jul 7 to Oct 25
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around April 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Aug 4 to Sep 13, and Nov 23 to Apr 10; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 11, and Oct 26 to May 8

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Sep 13, and Nov 23 to Apr 10
Under cover: Jul 7 to Oct 11, and Oct 26 to May 8
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around October 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Jan 11 to May 15, and Aug 22 to Nov 3; Under cover Jul 25 to Dec 1, and Dec 14 to Jun 12

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to May 15, and Aug 22 to Nov 3
Under cover: Jul 25 to Dec 1, and Dec 14 to Jun 12
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, 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 4 to Sep 21, and Dec 24 to Mar 20; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 19, and Nov 26 to Apr 17

Plant outdoors: Aug 4 to Sep 21, and Dec 24 to Mar 20
Under cover: Jul 7 to Oct 19, and Nov 26 to Apr 17
First harvest: About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 4, ready around October 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Jan 11 to May 25, and Aug 13 to Oct 9; Under cover Jul 16 to Nov 6, and Dec 14 to Jun 22

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to May 25, and Aug 13 to Oct 9
Under cover: Jul 16 to Nov 6, and Dec 14 to Jun 22
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, ready around March 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 7; Under cover Aug 1 to Nov 4, and Dec 14 to Jun 2

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 7
Under cover: Aug 1 to Nov 4, and Dec 14 to Jun 2
First harvest: About 85 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, ready around April 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Nov 7; Under cover Aug 1 to Dec 5, and Dec 14 to Jun 2

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Nov 7
Under cover: Aug 1 to Dec 5, and Dec 14 to Jun 2
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, 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 5 to Oct 9; Under cover Jan 8 to Nov 6

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to Oct 9
Under cover: Jan 8 to Nov 6
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around April 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Nov 5; Under cover Aug 1 to Dec 3, and Dec 14 to Jun 2

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Nov 5
Under cover: Aug 1 to Dec 3, and Dec 14 to Jun 2
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, 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 4 to Sep 23, and Nov 14 to Mar 12; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 9

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Sep 23, and Nov 14 to Mar 12
Under cover: Jul 7 to Apr 9
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around October 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Mar 25 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 10; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 10
Under cover: Feb 25 to Jun 7, and Jul 7 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around June 5.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Mar 25 to May 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 19; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 22, and Jul 7 to Oct 17

Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to May 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 19
Under cover: Feb 25 to Jun 22, and Jul 7 to Oct 17
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, 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 11 to Apr 23, and Aug 22 to Sep 20; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 18, and Dec 14 to May 21

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to Apr 23, and Aug 22 to Sep 20
Under cover: Jul 25 to Oct 18, and Dec 14 to May 21
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on January 11, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Aug 4 to Oct 5, and Oct 21 to Mar 10; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 7

Plant outdoors: Aug 4 to Oct 5, and Oct 21 to Mar 10
Under cover: Jul 7 to Apr 7
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 4, ready around October 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 5 to Jan 10; Under cover Oct 8 to Feb 7

Plant outdoors: Nov 5 to Jan 10
Under cover: Oct 8 to Feb 7
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 May 3; Under cover Jul 7 to May 31

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to May 3
Under cover: Jul 7 to May 31
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 Dec 16 to Nov 4; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Dec 16 to Nov 4
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on December 16, ready around January 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Aug 4 to Sep 23, and Nov 14 to Mar 26; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 23

Plant outdoors: Aug 4 to Sep 23, and Nov 14 to Mar 26
Under cover: Jul 7 to Apr 23
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 4, ready around October 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Aug 4 to Sep 27, and Dec 4 to May 13; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 25, and Nov 6 to Jun 10

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Sep 27, and Dec 4 to May 13
Under cover: Jul 7 to Oct 25, and Nov 6 to Jun 10
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around October 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Feb 5 to May 6, and Aug 4 to Sep 17; Under cover Jan 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 7 to Oct 15

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to May 6, and Aug 4 to Sep 17
Under cover: Jan 8 to Jun 3, and Jul 7 to Oct 15
First harvest: About 93 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 22 to Sep 13, and Dec 6 to Apr 23; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 11, and Nov 8 to May 21

Sow outdoors: Aug 22 to Sep 13, and Dec 6 to Apr 23
Under cover: Jul 25 to Oct 11, and Nov 8 to May 21
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on August 22, ready around November 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 4 to Mar 25; Under cover Jul 7 to Apr 22

Sow outdoors: Aug 4 to Mar 25
Under cover: Jul 7 to Apr 22
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 4, ready around November 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Feb 5 to May 21, and Aug 4 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 8 to Jun 18, and Jul 7 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to May 21, and Aug 4 to Sep 24
Under cover: Jan 8 to Jun 18, and Jul 7 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Feb 22 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 22; Under cover Jan 25 to Jun 2, and Aug 1 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 22 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jan 25 to Jun 2, and Aug 1 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on February 22, ready around April 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Feb 22 to May 24, and Aug 4 to Sep 23; Under cover Jan 25 to Jun 21, and Jul 7 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Feb 22 to May 24, and Aug 4 to Sep 23
Under cover: Jan 25 to Jun 21, and Jul 7 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on February 22, ready around April 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Dec 31 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 3 to Nov 12

Sow outdoors: Dec 31 to Oct 15
Under cover: Dec 3 to Nov 12
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on December 31, ready around February 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 5 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 22; Under cover Jan 8 to Jun 2, and Aug 1 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 to May 5, and Aug 29 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jan 8 to Jun 2, and Aug 1 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on February 5, ready around March 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Jan 11 to Apr 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 23; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 21, and Dec 14 to May 8

Sow outdoors: Jan 11 to Apr 10, and Aug 4 to Sep 23
Under cover: Jul 7 to Oct 21, and Dec 14 to May 8
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 5 to Dec 18; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 5 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 4 to Mar 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 23; Under cover Jul 7 to Oct 21, and Dec 7 to Apr 22

Plant outdoors: Jan 4 to Mar 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 23
Under cover: Jul 7 to Oct 21, and Dec 7 to Apr 22
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 30 to Jan 10; Under cover Nov 2 to Feb 7

Plant outdoors: Nov 30 to Jan 10
Under cover: Nov 2 to Feb 7
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 Sacramento

When is the last frost in Sacramento?

On average around February 11, and the first autumn frost comes around December 6. 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 Sacramento?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Mar 31 to Apr 25, and Aug 4 to Sep 3, or under cover Mar 3 to May 23, and Jul 7 to Oct 1.

What can I sow in Sacramento in November?

Outdoors: parsnip, spinach, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, shallot, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: radish, 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 Sacramento. 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