Planting calendar for Sacramento, California

Dates from 30 years of records at the Sacramento 5 ESE weather station, 4.6 miles from Sacramento, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Sacramento at a glance

Weather station: Sacramento 5 ESE · 4.6 mi
USDA zone: 9b
Frost: Brief: typically Dec 16–Jan 12; 1 year in 10 Nov 28–Feb 8
Hottest month: July: highs 94°F, nights 61°F
Coldest month: December: highs 56°F, nights 41°F
Rain: 19 in. a year, most in January, February and December

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in Sacramento: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Dec 16 to Jan 12, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Nov 28 to Feb 8. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summer highs average 94°F in July. Lettuce, spinach and cilantro bolt in heat like this, so they're best planted Oct 7–Dec 8, Dec 27–Feb 27.

Sacramento gets about 19 inches of rain a year, most of it in January, February and December.

151 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 23 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 Sacramento, month by month

January67

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), 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, Radicchio, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

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

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, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Garden cress, Rutabaga, Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Dill, Garlic chives, Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Start seeds indoors

Tomato (early / short-season), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Garlic chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Sage, Winter savory, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

February61

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Blackberry

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

Can also plant

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Fennel (bulb), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Spinach, Dill, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Fig, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, California poppy, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

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

March17

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Celeriac (celery root), Garden cress, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Potato, Radish, Swiss chard

Herbs: Bay laurel, Borage, Fenugreek (methi), Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Winter savory

Flowers: Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), 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

Celeriac (celery root), Eggplant, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, 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, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash

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

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Nasturtium

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Summer savory, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Annual salvia, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Basil, Annual salvia, Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May13

Best time to plant

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

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

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Salsify, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash, Borage, Epazote, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

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

June19

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Luffa gourd, Okra, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, 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, Cardoon, Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Leek, New Zealand spinach, Parsnip, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice

Start seeds indoors

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

July14

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Celeriac (celery root), Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

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), Beet, Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Kale, Leek, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Salsify, 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, Caraway, Chamomile, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Celosia, Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Parsley, Marigold, Statice

August23

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Sweet corn, Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Popcorn, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Turnip, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Tomato (early / short-season), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Strawflower

September35

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Borage, Dill, Epazote, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Larkspur, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

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

October55

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

Fruit: Strawberry

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

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi

Start seeds indoors

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

November52

Best time to plant

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), Chives, Lavender, Lovage, Parsley, Pansy / viola, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Statice, Stock

December49

Best time to plant

Vegetables: 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, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Fig

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

Can also plant

Arugula, Celeriac (celery root), Green onion / scallion, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Radish, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Watercress, Sorrel (French / garden), Blackberry, Grape (bunch), Stock

Start seeds indoors

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

Every crop that grows in Sacramento

151 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 13–27	May 28–Sep 20	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Apr 11–25, Aug 27–Sep 16	Apr 26–Aug 26	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Dec 29–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 9	Oct 27–Nov 10	Set out plants
Arugula	Oct 8–Dec 6, Jan 1–Mar 6	Mar 7–Apr 22, Aug 16–Oct 7, Dec 7–31	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Dec 15–Jan 12	Jan 13–Feb 9	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Apr 11–25, Sep 10–Oct 1	Apr 26–Sep 9	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Apr 11–25, Aug 6–27	Apr 26–Aug 5	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	May 13–27, Aug 12–25	May 28–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Apr 11–25, Aug 31–Sep 21	Apr 26–Aug 30	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Oct 4–Dec 13, Dec 16–Feb 23	Feb 24–Apr 28, Jul 22–Oct 3, Dec 14–15	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Apr 11–25, Aug 29–Sep 19	Apr 26–Aug 28	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Dec 29–Mar 2	Mar 3–Apr 10, Sep 5–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Jun 21–Jul 5	Jul 6–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Oct 11–Feb 3	Feb 4–Apr 7, Aug 20–Oct 10	Aug 30–Dec 23	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Oct 13–Dec 12, Dec 19–Feb 14	Feb 15–Apr 14, Aug 20–Oct 12, Dec 13–18	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 6–Jan 15	Jan 16–Mar 10, Aug 20–Oct 5	Aug 25–Dec 4	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 2–Feb 13	Feb 14–Apr 11, Jul 16–Oct 1	Aug 21–Jan 2	Set out plants
Cardoon	Sep 9–Dec 13, Dec 16–Feb 2	Feb 3–Mar 7, May 22–Sep 8, Dec 14–15	Jul 8–Oct 11, Oct 14–Dec 1	Set out plants
Carrot	Oct 2–Feb 19	Feb 20–Apr 20, Jul 14–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Sep 5–25, Dec 22–Jan 5	Jan 6–Apr 12, Aug 20–Sep 4	Jul 25–Aug 14, Nov 10–24	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Feb 9–Mar 11, Jun 10–Jul 10, Jul 17–Nov 14	Mar 12–Jun 9, Jul 11–16, Nov 15–Feb 8	Mar 25–Apr 24, May 1–Aug 29, Nov 24–Dec 24	Set out plants
Celery	Feb 18–Mar 4, Jul 29–Aug 19	Mar 5–Apr 25, May 20–Jul 28	May 13–Jun 3, Dec 3–17	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Dec 22–Jan 5	Jan 6–Apr 4	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Sep 30–Feb 23	Feb 24–Apr 29, Jul 10–Sep 29	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Sep 19–Mar 5	Mar 6–May 13, Jun 13–Sep 18	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Apr 11–25, Sep 3–24	Apr 26–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Apr 11–25, Sep 1–21	Apr 26–Aug 31	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Oct 16–Jan 29	Jan 30–Apr 4, Sep 5–Oct 15	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	May 13–27, Aug 14–24	May 28–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	May 13–27, Aug 17–24	May 28–Aug 16	Mar 11–25, Jun 15–22	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Dec 22–Jan 5	Jan 6–Mar 9	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Oct 19–Dec 31	Sep 24–Oct 18, Jan 1–Feb 17	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Sep 5–18, Dec 29–Jan 12	Jan 13–Mar 26	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Jan 29–Apr 3, Oct 8–Nov 12	Apr 4–May 6, Sep 2–Oct 7, Dec 29–Jan 28	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Green onion / scallion	Jan 12–Feb 9	Dec 15–Jan 11	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 4–Feb 21	Feb 22–Apr 27, Jul 21–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Oct 7–Dec 10, Dec 21–Feb 27	Feb 28–May 1, Aug 7–Oct 6, Dec 11–20	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Oct 1–Dec 6, Jan 1–Mar 7	Mar 8–Apr 15, Jul 25–Sep 30, Dec 7–31	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Sep 17–Feb 7	Feb 8–Mar 20, Jun 7–Sep 16	Jul 16–Dec 6	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Oct 7–Dec 8, Dec 27–Feb 27	Feb 28–Apr 15, Aug 8–Oct 6, Dec 9–26	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Oct 13–Dec 14, Dec 16–Feb 5	Feb 6–Apr 5, Aug 20–Oct 12, Dec 15	Sep 8–Nov 9, Nov 11–Jan 1	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Jun 21–Jul 5	—	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Oct 22–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 22, Sep 21–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Oct 13–Dec 11, Dec 21–Feb 19	Feb 20–Apr 19, Aug 21–Oct 12, Dec 12–20	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Jan 8–Mar 4, Sep 25–Dec 3	Mar 5–Apr 1, Jul 24–Sep 24, Dec 4–Jan 7	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Apr 11–25, Sep 3–23	Apr 26–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Okra	Jun 21–Jul 5	Jul 6–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Sep 15–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 18, Jun 3–Sep 14	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Oct 7–Dec 9, Dec 26–Feb 17	Feb 18–Apr 12, Aug 20–Oct 6, Dec 10–25	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Oct 7–Dec 9, Dec 25–Feb 15	Feb 16–Apr 10, Aug 20–Oct 6, Dec 10–24	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Apr 24–May 8, Aug 9–30	May 9–Aug 8	Feb 20–Mar 6, Jun 7–28	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Apr 11–25, Aug 19–Sep 9	Apr 26–Aug 18	Feb 7–21, Jun 17–Jul 8	Set out plants
Popcorn	Apr 11–18	Apr 19–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Aug 14–29, Dec 15–Mar 23	Mar 24–May 1, May 31–Aug 13	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Apr 11–25, Jul 15–Aug 5	Apr 26–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	May 13–27, Sep 9–11	May 28–Sep 8	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Dec 15–Jan 8	Jan 9–Feb 2	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Jan 7–Mar 18, Oct 12–Dec 3	Mar 19–May 4, Aug 30–Oct 11, Dec 4–Jan 6	—	Sow seeds
Rutabaga	Oct 15–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 26, Sep 14–Oct 14	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Sep 8–Jan 31	Feb 1–Mar 4, May 17–Sep 7	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Jun 21–Jul 5	—	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 11–Feb 26	Feb 27–Apr 26, May 25–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Jun 21–Jul 5	Jul 6–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 18–Feb 5	Feb 6–Apr 14, Sep 5–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Apr 11–25, Sep 6–26	Apr 26–Sep 5	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Jan 12–Feb 2	Dec 22–Jan 11	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Apr 11–18, Aug 19–Sep 8	Apr 19–Aug 18	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	Jun 21–Jul 14	—	May 3–26	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Sep 17–Dec 13, Dec 17–Mar 21	Mar 22–Sep 16, Dec 14–16	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Sep 6	Feb 28–Mar 14	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Apr 11–25, Sep 3–23	Apr 26–Sep 2	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jul 16–Aug 5	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Feb 18–25, Sep 8–28	Feb 26–Sep 7	Jul 21–Aug 10, Dec 31–Jan 7	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	May 13–27, Aug 21–23	May 28–Aug 20	Mar 25–Apr 8, Jul 3–5	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Apr 11–25, Aug 21–Sep 11	Apr 26–Aug 20	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jul 3–24	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Apr 11–25, Aug 19–Sep 8	Apr 26–Aug 18	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jul 1–21	Set out plants
Turnip	Oct 7–Dec 10, Dec 21–Feb 27	Feb 28–May 1, Aug 7–Oct 6, Dec 11–20	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Jan 19–Feb 16	Dec 22–Jan 18	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Jun 21–Jul 5	—	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	May 13–27, Jul 15–Aug 4	May 28–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Apr 11–25, Jul 25–Aug 15	Apr 26–Jul 24	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Jun 21–Jul 5	Jul 6–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

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

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 9–Feb 9	Dec 8–Jan 8	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	May 13–27, Aug 7–22	May 28–Aug 6	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Sep 11	Mar 7–21	Set out plants
Fig	Dec 22–Jan 19	Jan 20–Mar 2	—	Set out plants
Grape (bunch)	Jan 5–26	Dec 15–Jan 4	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Sep 16	Feb 21–Mar 7	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	May 13–27, Aug 4–20	May 28–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in Sacramento

These need a climate Sacramento 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 41°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 338 days) is shorter than the 285 days it needs.
Chaya (tree spinach): The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 332 days it needs.
Cuban oregano: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
Culantro: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
Ginger: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 270 days it needs.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Lemongrass: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 88 days it needs.
Malabar spinach: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 65 days it needs.
Moringa: The frost-free season (about 338 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 338 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 41°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 41°F.
Peanut: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 130 days it needs.
Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 338 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 41°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 41°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 41°F.
Roselle: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
Stevia: The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 100 days it needs.
Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 338 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

San Francisco, CA 75 mi · frost-free
San Jose, CA 89 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Fresno, CA 158 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Bakersfield, CA 260 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Los Angeles, CA 361 mi · frost-free
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 Sacramento 5 ESE 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).