California, US
Planting calendar for San Jose
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors May 1 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 5.
- 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 Jose. 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: Sow 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 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: Not this month | April: Sow 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: Not this month |
 Bell 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 under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Eggplant | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow 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: 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 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 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: Not this month | April: Sow 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 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 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: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow 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: 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Bok choy | January: Sow under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 |
 Chives | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Sow under cover |
 Mint | January: Sow 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 under cover | 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 1 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 5; Under cover Apr 3 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Aug 8, and Aug 17 to Sep 5, and Sep 14 to Oct 3
- Sow outdoors
- May 1 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 5
- Under cover
- Apr 3 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Aug 8, and Aug 17 to Sep 5, and Sep 14 to Oct 3
- First harvest
- About 76 days after sowing. Sown on May 1, ready around July 16.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 15; Under cover Apr 2 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Oct 13
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 30 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 15
- Under cover
- Apr 2 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Oct 13
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around July 23.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 8 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 12; Under cover Apr 10 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 10
- Sow outdoors
- May 8 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Apr 10 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 8, ready around July 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 8 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 29; Under cover Apr 10 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Oct 27
- Sow outdoors
- May 8 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 29
- Under cover
- Apr 10 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Oct 27
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 8, ready around August 6.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 25; Under cover Apr 2 to Oct 23
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 30 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 25
- Under cover
- Apr 2 to Oct 23
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around June 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 20; Under cover Apr 2 to Oct 18
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 30 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 20
- Under cover
- Apr 2 to Oct 18
- First harvest
- About 62 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around July 1.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 6; Under cover Apr 2 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 4
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 30 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 6
- Under cover
- Apr 2 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 4
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around July 16.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 21 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 7; Under cover Mar 24 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 5
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 21 to Jun 13, and Aug 17 to Sep 7
- Under cover
- Mar 24 to Jul 11, and Jul 20 to Oct 5
- First harvest
- About 81 days after sowing. Sown on April 21, ready around July 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Aug 17 to Oct 9, and Dec 26 to Apr 25; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 6, and Nov 28 to May 23
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to Oct 9, and Dec 26 to Apr 25
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 6, and Nov 28 to May 23
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around October 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 30, and Aug 17 to Oct 7; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 4, and Dec 18 to May 28
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 30, and Aug 17 to Oct 7
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 4, and Dec 18 to May 28
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 15, ready around February 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 17 to Oct 7, and Nov 23 to Apr 2; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to Oct 7, and Nov 23 to Apr 2
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Apr 30
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around November 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Jan 16 to Nov 19; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Nov 19
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 34 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around February 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Aug 17 to Oct 10, and Dec 24 to Mar 12; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 7, and Nov 26 to Apr 9
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 17 to Oct 10, and Dec 24 to Mar 12
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 7, and Nov 26 to Apr 9
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 17, ready around October 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Jan 16 to Oct 24; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 21
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Oct 24
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 21
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Jan 13 to Oct 25; Under cover Dec 16 to Nov 22
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 13 to Oct 25
- Under cover
- Dec 16 to Nov 22
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 13, ready around February 24.
- 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 16 to Oct 24; Under cover Dec 19 to Nov 21
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Oct 24
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Nov 21
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around April 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Dec 28 to Dec 10; Under cover all year
- Sow outdoors
- Dec 28 to Dec 10
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 25 days after sowing. Sown on December 28, ready around January 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 17 to Mar 16; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 13
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to Mar 16
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Apr 13
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around November 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Apr 21 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 24 to Oct 10
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 21 to Jun 23, and Aug 17 to Sep 12
- Under cover
- Mar 24 to Oct 10
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on April 21, ready around July 7.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Apr 21 to Jul 4, and Aug 17 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 24 to Oct 21
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 21 to Jul 4, and Aug 17 to Sep 23
- Under cover
- Mar 24 to Oct 21
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 21, ready around June 26.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Nov 1 to Jan 15; Under cover Oct 4 to Feb 12
- Sow outdoors
- Nov 1 to Jan 15
- Under cover
- Oct 4 to Feb 12
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 1, ready around June 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 17, and Aug 17 to Sep 30; Under cover Jul 20 to Oct 28, and Dec 18 to May 15
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 17, and Aug 17 to Sep 30
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Oct 28, and Dec 18 to May 15
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 15, ready around March 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 17 to Mar 7; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 4
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 17 to Mar 7
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Apr 4
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 17, ready around November 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Nov 1 to Jan 15; Under cover Oct 4 to Feb 12
- Plant outdoors
- Nov 1 to Jan 15
- Under cover
- Oct 4 to Feb 12
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 1, ready around July 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 17 to May 2; Under cover Jul 20 to May 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to May 2
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to May 30
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around November 15.
- 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 17 to Mar 30; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 27
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 17 to Mar 30
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Apr 27
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 17, ready around November 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Aug 17 to May 17; Under cover Jul 20 to Jun 14
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to May 17
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Jun 14
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around October 22.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 15, and Aug 17 to Sep 29; Under cover Jul 20 to Oct 27, and Dec 18 to May 13
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 15, and Aug 17 to Sep 29
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Oct 27, and Dec 18 to May 13
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on January 15, ready around March 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Aug 17 to Oct 3, and Dec 9 to Apr 17; Under cover Jul 20 to Oct 31, and Nov 11 to May 15
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to Oct 3, and Dec 9 to Apr 17
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Oct 31, and Nov 11 to May 15
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around October 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 17 to Mar 17; Under cover Jul 20 to Apr 14
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 17 to Mar 17
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Apr 14
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 17, ready around December 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 30, and Aug 17 to Oct 7; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 4, and Dec 18 to May 28
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 30, and Aug 17 to Oct 7
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 4, and Dec 18 to May 28
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 15, ready around March 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Feb 22 to Nov 7; Under cover Jan 25 to Dec 5
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 22 to Nov 7
- Under cover
- Jan 25 to Dec 5
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on February 22, ready around April 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Feb 22 to Jul 4, and Aug 17 to Sep 27; Under cover Jan 25 to Oct 25
- Sow outdoors
- Feb 22 to Jul 4, and Aug 17 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Jan 25 to Oct 25
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on February 22, ready around May 11.
- 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 Jan 16 to Nov 12; Under cover Dec 19 to Dec 10
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 16 to Nov 12
- Under cover
- Dec 19 to Dec 10
- First harvest
- About 64 days after sowing. Sown on January 16, ready around March 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Jan 15 to Apr 2, and Aug 17 to Oct 5; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 2, and Dec 18 to Apr 30
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 15 to Apr 2, and Aug 17 to Oct 5
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 2, and Dec 18 to Apr 30
- 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 5 to Mar 17, and Aug 17 to Oct 10; Under cover Jul 20 to Nov 7, and Dec 8 to Apr 14
- Plant outdoors
- Jan 5 to Mar 17, and Aug 17 to Oct 10
- Under cover
- Jul 20 to Nov 7, and Dec 8 to Apr 14
- 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 Jose
Does it frost in San Jose?
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 Jose?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 1 to Jun 7, and Aug 17 to Sep 5, or under cover Apr 3 to Jul 5, and Jul 20 to Aug 8, and Aug 17 to Sep 5, and Sep 14 to Oct 3.
What can I sow in San Jose in November?
Outdoors: parsnip, radish, spinach, arugula, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, cabbage, Brussels sprout, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, mint. Under cover: carrot, potato, turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, cauliflower, strawberry.
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 Jose. 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