Planting calendar for Riverside, California

Dates from 30 years of records at the Riverside Fire Stn 3 weather station, 0.5 miles from Riverside, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Riverside at a glance

Weather station: Riverside Fire Stn 3 · 0.5 mi
USDA zone: 10a
Frost: Brief: typically Dec 25–Jan 9; 1 year in 10 Dec 1–Feb 25
Hottest month: August: highs 97°F, nights 64°F
Coldest month: December: highs 69°F, nights 42°F
Rain: 10 in. a year, most in January, February and March

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in Riverside: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Dec 25 to Jan 9, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Dec 1 to Feb 25. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summer highs average 97°F in August. Lettuce, spinach and cilantro bolt in heat like this, so they're best planted Oct 18–Feb 16.

Riverside gets about 10 inches of rain a year, most of it in January, February and March. Plan on regular watering: most months get less than 1 inch.

153 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 21 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Riverside, month by month

January72

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Tarragon (French), Thyme

Fruit: Blackberry, Fig, Grape (bunch)

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Dill, Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Winter savory, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Start seeds indoors

Tomato (early / short-season), Anise hyssop, Marjoram, Oregano, Winter savory, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

February43

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Potato, Radish, Shallot, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chamomile, Fenugreek (methi), Garlic chives, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory

Flowers: Calendula, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Rutabaga, Salsify, Spinach, Caraway, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Feverfew, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Sorrel (French / garden), Tarragon (French), Fig, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Marjoram, Ground cherry

March9

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Celeriac (celery root), Garden cress, Potato, Swiss chard

Herbs: Borage, Fenugreek (methi), Lemon verbena, Marjoram

Flowers: Nasturtium

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Summer savory, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Pansy / viola, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia

April28

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash

Herbs: Epazote, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Shiso (perilla)

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Nasturtium

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Potato, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Borage, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Summer savory, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Basil, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

May13

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Edamame, Eggplant, Purslane, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Basil, Papalo, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Marigold

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Borage, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June17

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Luffa gourd, Okra, Peanut, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Purslane, Salsify, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Pepper (hot / chili), Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

July12

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Celosia, Statice

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Marigold, Statice

August19

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celery, Edamame, Pepper (hot / chili), Pumpkin, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Eggplant, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Strawflower

September26

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Fennel (bulb), New Zealand spinach, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing)

Herbs: Borage, Epazote

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Turnip, Basil, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Marigold, Snapdragon, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

October56

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Nasturtium, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Fava bean, Garden cress, Mache (corn salad), Radish, Annual salvia, Pansy / viola

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

November52

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Lavender, Lovage, Parsley, Pansy / viola, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Statice, Stock

December55

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Fig

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Celeriac (celery root), Green onion / scallion, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Watercress, Blackberry, Grape (bunch)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Cabbage, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Every crop that grows in Riverside

153 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	May 9–23	May 24–Sep 26	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Apr 8–22, Sep 5–25	Apr 23–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Dec 26–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 6	Oct 24–Nov 7	Set out plants
Arugula	Oct 20–Feb 21	Feb 22–May 8, Sep 1–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Dec 12–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 6	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Apr 8–22, Sep 19–Oct 10	Apr 23–May 31, Jul 19–Sep 18	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Apr 8–22, Aug 15–Sep 5	Apr 23–May 9, Jun 21–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	May 9–23, Aug 21–31	May 24–Aug 20	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Apr 8–22, Sep 9–30	Apr 23–May 21, Jul 4–Sep 8	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Oct 14–Feb 13	Feb 14–Apr 25, Aug 24–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Apr 8–22, Sep 7–28	Apr 23–Sep 6	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Dec 26–Feb 24	Feb 25–Apr 8, Sep 19–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Oct 20–Jan 30	Jan 31–Apr 5, Sep 12–Oct 19	Sep 8–Dec 19	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Oct 22–Feb 9	Feb 10–Apr 20, Sep 12–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 14–Jan 10	Jan 11–Mar 7, Sep 12–Oct 13	Sep 2–Nov 29	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 14–Feb 1	Feb 2–Apr 9, Sep 1–Oct 13	Sep 2–Dec 21	Set out plants
Cardoon	Sep 28–Dec 10, Dec 16–Jan 17	Jan 18–Mar 2, Jun 11–Jul 3, Aug 24–Sep 27, Dec 11–15	Jul 27–Oct 8, Oct 14–Nov 15	Set out plants
Carrot	Oct 13–Feb 8	Feb 9–Apr 18, Aug 24–Oct 12	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Sep 14–Oct 4, Dec 19–Jan 2	Jan 3–Apr 11, Sep 12–13	Aug 3–23, Nov 7–21	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Jan 18–Mar 11, Aug 28–Nov 26	Mar 12–Apr 1, Jun 6–Aug 27, Nov 27–Jan 17	Jun 12–Sep 10, Nov 2–Dec 24	Set out plants
Celery	Feb 18–Mar 4, Aug 7–28	Mar 5–Apr 11, Jun 19–Aug 6	May 22–Jun 12, Dec 3–17	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Dec 19–Jan 2	Jan 3–Mar 31	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Oct 11–Feb 15	Feb 16–Apr 26, Aug 14–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Oct 2–Feb 25	Feb 26–May 2, Jul 13–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Apr 8–22, Sep 12–Oct 3	Apr 23–May 30, Jul 17–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Apr 8–22, Sep 10–30	Apr 23–May 27, Jul 10–Sep 9	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Oct 23–Jan 28	Jan 29–Apr 1, Sep 19–Oct 22	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	May 9–23, Aug 23–30	May 24–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	May 9–23, Aug 26–31	May 24–Aug 25	Mar 7–21, Jun 24–29	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Dec 19–Jan 2	Jan 3–Mar 3	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Oct 28–Dec 27	Oct 8–27, Dec 28–Feb 5	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Sep 19–27, Dec 26–Jan 9	Jan 10–Mar 23	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Oct 26–Nov 21, Dec 27–Mar 18	Mar 19–May 24, Sep 15–Oct 25, Dec 26	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Green onion / scallion	Jan 1–29	Jan 30–Feb 6, Dec 12–31	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 14–Feb 13	Feb 14–Apr 25, Aug 24–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Oct 18–Feb 15	Feb 16–Apr 30, Sep 1–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Oct 13–Feb 24	Feb 25–May 9, Aug 14–Oct 12	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Oct 6–Jan 20	Jan 21–Mar 16, Jun 26–Jul 3, Aug 24–Oct 5	Aug 4–Nov 18	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Oct 18–Feb 16	Feb 17–May 1, Sep 1–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Oct 20–Feb 2	Feb 3–Apr 11, Sep 12–Oct 19	Sep 15–Dec 29	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Jul 17	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Oct 31–Jan 18	Jan 19–Mar 12, Oct 4–30	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Oct 23–Feb 12	Feb 13–Apr 25, Sep 12–Oct 22	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Oct 13–Dec 9, Dec 18–Feb 11	Feb 12–Apr 16, Sep 1–Oct 12, Dec 10–17	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Apr 8–22, Sep 12–Oct 2	Apr 23–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Okra	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Oct 4–Jan 18	Jan 19–Mar 13, Jun 23–Jul 3, Aug 24–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Oct 20–Feb 2	Feb 3–Apr 11, Sep 12–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Oct 20–Feb 1	Feb 2–Apr 9, Sep 12–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Jul 6	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Apr 20–May 4, Aug 18–Sep 8	May 5–Aug 17	Feb 16–Mar 2, Jun 16–Jul 7	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Apr 8–22, Aug 28–Sep 18	Apr 23–Aug 27	Feb 4–18, Jun 26–Jul 17	Set out plants
Popcorn	Apr 8–15	Apr 16–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Dec 12–Mar 21	Mar 22–Apr 19, Jun 29–Sep 7	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Apr 8–22, Jul 24–Aug 14	Apr 23–30, Jun 9–Jul 23	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	May 9–23	May 24–Sep 17	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Dec 12–Jan 5	Jan 6–30	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Oct 30–Mar 4	Mar 5–May 21, Sep 13–Oct 29	—	Sow seeds
Rutabaga	Oct 22–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 20, Sep 27–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Sep 28–Jan 13	Jan 14–Feb 27, Jun 7–Jul 3, Aug 24–Sep 27	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Jul 19	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 25–Feb 18	Feb 19–Apr 13, Jun 24–Sep 24	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 25–Feb 4	Feb 5–Apr 12, Sep 19–Oct 24	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Apr 8–22, Sep 15–Oct 5	Apr 23–May 29, Jul 14–Sep 14	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Jan 9–30	Dec 19–Jan 8	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Apr 8–15, Aug 28–Sep 17	Apr 16–Aug 27	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	Jun 25–Jul 15	Jun 12–24, Jul 16–24	May 7–27	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Oct 2–Mar 11	Mar 12–May 28, Jul 12–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Taro (dasheen)	Apr 8–23	—	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Apr 8–22	Apr 23–Sep 15	Feb 25–Mar 11	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Apr 8–22, Sep 12–Oct 2	Apr 23–Sep 11	Feb 18–Mar 4, Jul 25–Aug 14	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Feb 18–25, Sep 17–Oct 7	Feb 26–Sep 16	Jul 30–Aug 19, Dec 31–Jan 7	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	May 9–23	May 24–Aug 29	Mar 21–Apr 4	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Apr 8–22, Aug 30–Sep 20	Apr 23–May 17, Jun 30–Aug 29	Feb 18–Mar 4, Jul 12–Aug 2	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Apr 8–22, Aug 28–Sep 17	Apr 23–May 14, Jun 23–Aug 27	Feb 18–Mar 4, Jul 10–30	Set out plants
Turnip	Oct 18–Feb 15	Feb 16–Apr 30, Sep 1–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Jan 16–Feb 13	Dec 19–Jan 15	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Jul 17	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	May 9–23, Jul 24–Aug 11	May 24–Jul 23	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Apr 8–22, Aug 3–24	Apr 23–May 6, Jun 18–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Jun 12–26	Jun 27–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Jan 30–Feb 27	Jan 9–29, Feb 28–Mar 6	Dec 16–Jan 13	Set out plants
Basil	May 9–16, Sep 10–11	May 17–Sep 9	Apr 4–11, Aug 6–7	Set out plants
Bay laurel	Feb 10–Mar 6	Jan 16–Feb 9	—	Set out plants
Bee balm (bergamot)	Jan 20–Feb 17	Jan 9–19, Feb 18–Mar 6	Dec 2–30	Set out plants
Borage	Jan 10–Mar 30, Sep 20–Oct 17	Jan 2–9, Mar 31–May 13, Jul 26–Sep 19	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Oct 11–Feb 1	Feb 2–Apr 7, Aug 24–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Jan 3–24	Jan 25–Feb 6, Dec 26–Jan 2	Nov 15–Dec 6	Set out plants
Chamomile	Oct 13–Feb 9	Feb 10–Apr 19, Aug 24–Oct 12	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Oct 24–Feb 1	Feb 2–Apr 7, Sep 19–Oct 23	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Cilantro	Oct 21–Feb 4	Feb 5–Apr 13, Sep 12–Oct 20	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Oct 1–22, Dec 26–Jan 2	Jan 3–May 3, Aug 24–Sep 30	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Apr 8–22, Sep 24–Oct 11	Apr 23–Sep 23	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Jan 9–Mar 18, Oct 7–Nov 3	Mar 19–May 13, Aug 27–Oct 6	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Jan 9–Feb 6	Jan 2–8, Feb 7–27	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Jan 19–Feb 16	Jan 9–18, Feb 17–Mar 6	Dec 1–29	Set out plants
Lavender	Jan 27–Feb 20	Jan 16–26, Feb 21–Mar 6	Nov 11–Dec 5	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Jan 16–Feb 6	Dec 26–Jan 15	Dec 12–Jan 2	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Mar 15–Apr 8	Feb 18–Mar 14	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	Nov 7–28	Set out plants
Marjoram	Mar 15–Apr 8	Feb 18–Mar 14	Jan 25–Feb 18	Set out plants
Mint	Jan 16–Feb 6	Dec 26–Jan 15	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Feb 6–Mar 6	Jan 9–Feb 5	Dec 19–Jan 16	Set out plants
Papalo	May 9–23	May 24–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Sep 29–Feb 23	Feb 24–Apr 25, Jul 5–Sep 28	Jul 28–Dec 22	Set out plants
Rosemary	Feb 10–Mar 6	Jan 16–Feb 9	Nov 25–Dec 19	Set out plants
Sage	Jan 19–Feb 16	Jan 2–18, Feb 17–27	Dec 1–29	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Apr 8–15	Apr 16–Sep 27	Mar 4–11	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Dec 19–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 13	—	Sow seeds
Summer savory	Feb 18–Mar 4	Mar 5–May 21	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Jan 24–Feb 21	Jan 9–23, Feb 22–Mar 6	Nov 29–Dec 27	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	May 6–Jun 3	Apr 8–May 5	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Feb 3–Mar 3	Jan 9–Feb 2, Mar 4–6	Dec 16–Jan 13	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 6–Feb 6	Dec 5–Jan 5	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	May 9–23, Aug 16–29	May 24–Aug 15	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Apr 8–22	Apr 23–Sep 20	Mar 4–18	Set out plants
Fig	Dec 19–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 27	—	Set out plants
Grape (bunch)	Jan 2–23	Dec 12–Jan 1	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Apr 8–22	Apr 23–Sep 25	Feb 18–Mar 4	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	May 9–23, Aug 13–27	May 24–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Jun 1–Sep 2	Apr 8–May 31, Sep 3–Oct 11	Mar 23–Jun 24	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Oct 19–Jan 28	Jan 29–Apr 2, Sep 12–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Mar 28–May 3, Jun 21–Sep 17	Jan 9–Mar 27, May 4–Jun 20	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Oct 15–Feb 15	Feb 16–Apr 28, Aug 24–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Oct 19–Jan 28	Jan 29–Apr 2, Sep 12–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Jun 12–19	Jun 20–Aug 4	Apr 24–May 1	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	May 26–Aug 14	Apr 8–May 25, Aug 15–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Oct 6–Feb 4	Feb 5–Apr 5, Jul 7–14, Aug 14–Oct 5	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Jun 14–Aug 10	May 9–Jun 13, Aug 11–Sep 1	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	Jun 14–Aug 10	May 9–Jun 13, Aug 11–Sep 1	Apr 26–Jun 22	Set out plants
Larkspur	Oct 19–Jan 10	Jan 11–Mar 4, Sep 19–Oct 18	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	May 22–Jun 10, Jun 26–Sep 5	Apr 8–May 21, Jun 11–25, Sep 6–Oct 8	Apr 3–22, May 8–Jul 18	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Feb 6–Mar 6	Jan 9–Feb 5	Jan 2–30	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Mar 20–Apr 15, Sep 11–Oct 15	Feb 18–Mar 19, Apr 16–29, Aug 24–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Oct 29–Jan 30	Jan 31–Apr 2, Sep 27–Oct 28	Aug 13–Nov 14	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	Jul 6–Aug 18	Jun 12–Jul 5, Aug 19–Sep 6	May 4–Jun 16	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Feb 6–Mar 6	Jan 9–Feb 5	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Oct 19–Jan 9	Jan 10–Mar 3, Sep 19–Oct 18	Aug 17–Nov 7	Set out plants
Statice	Jan 9–23, Sep 16–Oct 7	Jan 24–May 6, Jul 17–Sep 15	Jul 15–Aug 5, Nov 7–21	Set out plants
Stock	Oct 24–Feb 1	Feb 2–Apr 7, Sep 19–Oct 23	Aug 22–Nov 30	Set out plants
Strawflower	Feb 18–Mar 4, Sep 24–Oct 14	Mar 5–May 11, Jul 24–Sep 23	Aug 6–26, Dec 31–Jan 14	Set out plants
Sunflower	May 28–Aug 13	Apr 8–May 27, Aug 14–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Oct 15–Feb 16	Feb 17–Apr 29, Aug 24–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Oct 20–Jan 14	Jan 15–Mar 11, Sep 19–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Jun 15–Aug 13	May 9–Jun 14, Aug 14–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Riverside

These need a climate Riverside doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 42°F.
Blueberry: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
Cassava (yuca): The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 285 days it needs.
Chaya (tree spinach): The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 332 days it needs.
Cuban oregano: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
Culantro: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
Ginger: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 270 days it needs.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Lemongrass: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 88 days it needs.
Malabar spinach: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 65 days it needs.
Moringa: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
Muscadine grape: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
Okinawa spinach: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 42°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 42°F.
Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 150 days it needs.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 42°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 42°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 42°F.
Roselle: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
Stevia: The frost-free season (about 350 days) is shorter than the 100 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

Long Beach, CA 47 mi · frost-free
Los Angeles, CA 49 mi · frost-free
Palm Springs, CA 50 mi · frost only briefly in winter
San Diego, CA 87 mi · frost-free
Bakersfield, CA 135 mi · frost only briefly in winter
All California cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Riverside Fire Stn 3 station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).