California, US
Planting calendar for San Francisco
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors May 24 to Jul 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 San Francisco. 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: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Chile pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Bell pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Eggplant | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Zucchini | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Cucumber | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Winter squash | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Sweet corn | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow 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 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Parsnip | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow 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: Not this month | November: Not this month | 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 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 under cover |
 Potato | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant under cover | 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 |
 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 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 |
| 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 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 |
 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 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 |
 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 under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Arugula | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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 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 under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow 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 under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow 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: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Fava bean | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow 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: Sow under cover | October: Sow outdoors and 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 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 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 under cover | November: Plant 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: Plant under cover | October: Plant outdoors and 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 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 |
 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 under cover | November: Plant 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 outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and 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 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow 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 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Brussels sprout | 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 |
 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 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Bok choy | 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 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: 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 outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and 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 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 |
 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 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 under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Mint | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
 Strawberry | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | 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 |
 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 May 24 to Jul 18; Under cover Apr 26 to Aug 15
- Sow outdoors
- May 24 to Jul 18
- Under cover
- Apr 26 to Aug 15
- First harvest
- About 87 days after sowing. Sown on May 24, ready around August 19.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 21 to Jul 18; Under cover Apr 23 to Aug 15
- Sow outdoors
- May 21 to Jul 18
- Under cover
- Apr 23 to Aug 15
- First harvest
- About 89 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around August 18.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors Jun 2 to Aug 1; Under cover May 5 to Aug 29
- Sow outdoors
- Jun 2 to Aug 1
- Under cover
- May 5 to Aug 29
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on June 2, ready around August 21.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors Jun 2 to Jul 18; Under cover May 5 to Aug 15
- Sow outdoors
- Jun 2 to Jul 18
- Under cover
- May 5 to Aug 15
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on June 2, ready around August 31.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 21 to Sep 10; Under cover Apr 23 to Oct 8
- Sow outdoors
- May 21 to Sep 10
- Under cover
- Apr 23 to Oct 8
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around July 21.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 21 to Sep 4; Under cover Apr 23 to Oct 2
- Sow outdoors
- May 21 to Sep 4
- Under cover
- Apr 23 to Oct 2
- First harvest
- About 69 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around July 29.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 21 to Aug 1; Under cover Apr 23 to Aug 29
- Sow outdoors
- May 21 to Aug 1
- Under cover
- Apr 23 to Aug 29
- First harvest
- About 88 days after sowing. Sown on May 21, ready around August 17.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors May 10 to Aug 1; Under cover Apr 12 to Aug 29
- Sow outdoors
- May 10 to Aug 1
- Under cover
- Apr 12 to Aug 29
- First harvest
- About 92 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around August 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Jan 17 to Sep 22; Under cover Dec 20 to Oct 20
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 17 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Dec 20 to Oct 20
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on January 17, ready around March 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Jan 19 to Sep 25; Under cover Dec 22 to Oct 23
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Oct 23
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around April 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 22 to Sep 7, and Dec 25 to Jun 16; Under cover Jul 25 to Aug 10, and Aug 22 to Sep 7, and Sep 19 to Oct 5, and Nov 27 to Jul 14
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 22 to Sep 7, and Dec 25 to Jun 16
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Aug 10, and Aug 22 to Sep 7, and Sep 19 to Oct 5, and Nov 27 to Jul 14
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 22, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Jan 19 to Nov 13; Under cover Dec 22 to Dec 11
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Nov 13
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Dec 11
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around February 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 29, and Aug 22 to Sep 23; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 21, and Dec 18 to May 27
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 29, and Aug 22 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Oct 21, and Dec 18 to May 27
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on January 15, ready around March 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 19 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 22 to Nov 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Oct 15
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Nov 12
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around April 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Jan 19 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 22 to Nov 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Oct 15
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Nov 12
- First harvest
- About 93 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around April 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 27 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around January 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Jan 19 to Oct 15; Under cover Dec 22 to Nov 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Oct 15
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Nov 12
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around April 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Jan 19 to Nov 26; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Nov 26
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around March 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 22 to Sep 22, and Dec 11 to Apr 6; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Nov 13 to May 4
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 22 to Sep 22, and Dec 11 to Apr 6
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Nov 13 to May 4
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 22, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors May 10 to Aug 25; Under cover Apr 12 to Sep 22
- Sow outdoors
- May 10 to Aug 25
- Under cover
- Apr 12 to Sep 22
- First harvest
- About 86 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around August 4.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors May 10 to Sep 8; Under cover Apr 12 to Oct 6
- Sow outdoors
- May 10 to Sep 8
- Under cover
- Apr 12 to Oct 6
- First harvest
- About 73 days after sowing. Sown on May 10, ready around July 22.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Oct 20 to Jan 18; Under cover Sep 22 to Feb 15
- Sow outdoors
- Oct 20 to Jan 18
- Under cover
- Sep 22 to Feb 15
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 20, ready around May 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 19 to Jul 18, and Aug 22 to Sep 16; Under cover Dec 22 to Oct 14
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Jul 18, and Aug 22 to Sep 16
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Oct 14
- First harvest
- About 107 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around May 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 22 to Sep 25, and Nov 27 to Apr 6; Under cover Jul 25 to May 4
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 22 to Sep 25, and Nov 27 to Apr 6
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to May 4
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 22, ready around November 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 20 to Jan 18; Under cover Sep 22 to Feb 15
- Plant outdoors
- Oct 20 to Jan 18
- Under cover
- Sep 22 to Feb 15
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 20, ready around June 27.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around April 1.
- 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 22 to Sep 22, and Dec 11 to Apr 6; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Nov 13 to May 4
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 22 to Sep 22, and Dec 11 to Apr 6
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Nov 13 to May 4
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 22, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Dec 19 to Oct 6; Under cover Nov 21 to Nov 3
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 19 to Oct 6
- Under cover
- Nov 21 to Nov 3
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on December 19, ready around February 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Jan 19 to Sep 14; Under cover Dec 22 to Oct 12
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Sep 14
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Oct 12
- First harvest
- About 119 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around May 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Jan 4 to Jul 18, and Aug 22 to Sep 9; Under cover Sep 19 to Oct 7, and Dec 7 to Sep 9
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 4 to Jul 18, and Aug 22 to Sep 9
- Under cover
- Sep 19 to Oct 7, and Dec 7 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on January 4, ready around March 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 22 to May 11; Under cover Jul 25 to Jun 8
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 22 to May 11
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Jun 8
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 22, ready around December 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Jan 19 to Sep 24; Under cover Dec 22 to Oct 22
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Sep 24
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Oct 22
- First harvest
- About 107 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around May 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Mar 4 to Oct 30; Under cover Feb 4 to Nov 27
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 4 to Oct 30
- Under cover
- Feb 4 to Nov 27
- First harvest
- About 53 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around April 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Mar 4 to Sep 13; Under cover Feb 4 to Oct 11
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 4 to Sep 13
- Under cover
- Feb 4 to Oct 11
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around May 26.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Dec 30 to Nov 3; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 30 to Nov 3
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on December 30, ready around February 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Jan 19 to Nov 3; Under cover Dec 22 to Dec 1
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Nov 3
- Under cover
- Dec 22 to Dec 1
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on January 19, ready around March 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 19 to Jun 16, and Aug 22 to Sep 22; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Dec 22 to Jul 14
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 19 to Jun 16, and Aug 22 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Oct 20, and Dec 22 to Jul 14
- 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 Jan 19 to May 11, and Aug 22 to Sep 26; Under cover Jul 25 to Oct 24, and Dec 22 to Jun 8
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 19 to May 11, and Aug 22 to Sep 26
- Under cover
- Jul 25 to Oct 24, and Dec 22 to Jun 8
- 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 San Francisco
Does it frost in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 24 to Jul 18, or under cover Apr 26 to Aug 15.
What can I sow in San Francisco in November?
Outdoors: radish, spinach, arugula, fava bean, garlic, leek, scallion, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, celery, onion, shallot, cabbage, bok choy, parsley, cilantro.
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 San Francisco. 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