California, US
Planting calendar for Santa Ana
Frost is rare here, so sowing goes by warmth: tender crops like tomatoes go outdoors Apr 5 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Oct 21.
- 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 Santa Ana. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)
| Crop | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
 Tomato | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Bell pepper | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Eggplant | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover |
 Zucchini | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Cucumber | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Winter squash | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | 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 outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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 |
 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 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 |
 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 outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Radish | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Potato | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: 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 |
 Turnip | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
 Lettuce | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Spinach | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Swiss chard | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Arugula | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Celery | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Green bean | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month |
 Fava beanWinters too mild here | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 Pea | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
 Onion | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Garlic | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Leek | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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 |
 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 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 |
 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 under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 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 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 |
 Bok choy | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
 Basil | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow 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 |
 Parsley | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Cilantro | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
 Chives | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow 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 |
 Mint | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
 Strawberry | January: Plant outdoors and under cover | February: Plant outdoors and under cover | March: Plant outdoors and under cover | April: Plant under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 RaspberryWinters too mild here | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
 RhubarbWinters too mild here | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors Apr 5 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Oct 21; Under cover Mar 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Nov 18
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 5 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Oct 21
- Under cover
- Mar 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Nov 18
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 5, ready around June 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 3 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 16
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 18
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 16
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 26.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 12 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 14; Under cover Mar 15 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 12
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Nov 14
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Dec 12
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around June 29.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors Apr 12 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 14; Under cover Mar 15 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 12
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 12 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Nov 14
- Under cover
- Mar 15 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Dec 12
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 12, ready around July 11.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 18; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 15
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 18
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 15
- First harvest
- About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 24.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 14; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 14
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- First harvest
- About 57 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors Apr 3 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 25; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 22
- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 25
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 22
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 8.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 25 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 14; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 25 to May 16, and Aug 16 to Oct 14
- Under cover
- Feb 25 to Jun 13, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- 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.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Aug 16 to May 31; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 28
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to May 31
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 28
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Aug 16 to Nov 9, and Dec 20 to Jun 2; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Nov 9, and Dec 20 to Jun 2
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 30
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around September 27.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 21; Under cover Jul 19 to May 19
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 21
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 19
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Sep 6 to May 22; Under cover Aug 9 to Jun 19
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 6 to May 22
- Under cover
- Aug 9 to Jun 19
- First harvest
- About 17 days after sowing. Sown on September 6, ready around September 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 17; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 14
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 17
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 14
- First harvest
- About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around October 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Aug 29 to Jun 2; Under cover Aug 1 to Jun 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 29 to Jun 2
- Under cover
- Aug 1 to Jun 30
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on August 29, ready around October 4.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Sep 14 to May 12; Under cover Aug 17 to Jun 9
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 14 to May 12
- Under cover
- Aug 17 to Jun 9
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Sep 14 to May 12; Under cover Aug 17 to Jun 9
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 14 to May 12
- Under cover
- Aug 17 to Jun 9
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 6.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Sep 14 to May 12; Under cover Aug 17 to Jun 9
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 14 to May 12
- Under cover
- Aug 17 to Jun 9
- First harvest
- About 25 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 13; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 10
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 13
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 10
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors Mar 25 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 14; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 25 to May 24, and Aug 16 to Oct 14
- Under cover
- Feb 25 to Jun 21, and Jul 19 to Nov 11
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around June 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors Mar 25 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 18; Under cover Feb 25 to Jun 30, and Jul 19 to Nov 15
- Sow outdoors
- Mar 25 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 18
- Under cover
- Feb 25 to Jun 30, and Jul 19 to Nov 15
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on March 25, ready around May 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanNot here: winters too mild here
- Sow outdoors
- Not here: winters too mild here
- Under cover
- No
- First harvest
- Not grown here.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Sep 6 to Nov 5, and Dec 13 to May 11; Under cover Aug 9 to Jun 8
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 6 to Nov 5, and Dec 13 to May 11
- Under cover
- Aug 9 to Jun 8
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on September 6, ready around October 24.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 4; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 1
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 4
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 1
- First harvest
- About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around November 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Nov 12 to Jan 11; Under cover Oct 15 to Feb 8
- Plant outdoors
- Nov 12 to Jan 11
- Under cover
- Oct 15 to Feb 8
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 12, ready around July 20.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Aug 16 to May 24; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 21
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to May 24
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 21
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 24
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 27
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 24
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Aug 16 to Jun 2; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Jun 2
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 30
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Aug 16 to May 24; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 21
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to May 24
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 21
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 9.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Sep 6 to May 11; Under cover Aug 9 to Jun 8
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 6 to May 11
- Under cover
- Aug 9 to Jun 8
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on September 6, ready around November 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 26; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 23
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 26
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 23
- First harvest
- About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around December 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Aug 16 to Jun 2; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 30
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Jun 2
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Jun 30
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Jan 20 to May 12, and Sep 14 to Jan 3; Under cover Aug 17 to Jun 9
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 20 to May 12, and Sep 14 to Jan 3
- Under cover
- Aug 17 to Jun 9
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on January 20, ready around March 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Jan 20 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 19; Under cover Jul 19 to Nov 16, and Dec 23 to Jun 30
- Sow outdoors
- Jan 20 to Jun 2, and Aug 16 to Oct 19
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Nov 16, and Dec 23 to Jun 30
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on January 20, ready around April 7.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Sep 14 to May 12; Under cover Aug 17 to Jun 9
- Sow outdoors
- Sep 14 to May 12
- Under cover
- Aug 17 to Jun 9
- First harvest
- About 30 days after sowing. Sown on September 14, ready around October 14.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Aug 16 to Apr 21; Under cover Jul 19 to May 19
- Sow outdoors
- Aug 16 to Apr 21
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to May 19
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors all year
- Sow outdoors
- all year
- Under cover
- all year
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 26; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 23
- Plant outdoors
- Aug 16 to Mar 26
- Under cover
- Jul 19 to Apr 23
- 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 Santa Ana
Does it frost in Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana?
Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 5 to May 11, and Aug 16 to Oct 21, or under cover Mar 8 to Jun 8, and Jul 19 to Nov 18.
What can I sow in Santa Ana in November?
Outdoors: chile pepper, bell pepper, eggplant, carrot, beet, parsnip, radish, potato, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, celery, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, kale, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, chives, mint, strawberry. Under cover: tomato, zucchini, cucumber, winter squash, sweet corn, runner bean, green bean, pea, basil.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
Get these dates as reminders
Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Santa Ana. 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