Planting calendar for San Jose, California

Dates from 30 years of records at the San Jose weather station, 0.8 miles from San Jose, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

San Jose at a glance

Weather station: San Jose · 0.8 mi
USDA zone: 9b
Frost: Brief: typically Dec 25–Jan 2; 1 year in 10 Dec 4–Jan 23
Hottest month: August: highs 83°F, nights 60°F
Coldest month: December: highs 59°F, nights 43°F
Rain: 16 in. a year, most in January, February and December

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in San Jose: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Dec 25 to Jan 2, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Dec 4 to Jan 23. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summers are mild, with highs around 83°F in August, so cool-season crops last longer here than in hotter places: leaf lettuce is best planted Sep 26–Mar 15.

San Jose gets about 16 inches of rain a year, most of it in January, February and December.

142 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 32 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

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 San Jose, month by month

January66

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sage, 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

Artichoke, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Radicchio, Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Dill, Garlic chives, Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Winter savory, Black-eyed Susan, Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Celeriac (celery root), Lettuce (romaine & head), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Garlic chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Winter savory, Milkweed (native)

February65

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, 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, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip

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

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

Can also plant

Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Fennel (bulb), Rutabaga, Salsify, Chives, Dill, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Tarragon (French), Fig, Black-eyed Susan, Nasturtium, Statice

Start seeds indoors

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

March35

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Parsley

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Tomato (early / short-season), Chervil, Dill, Summer savory, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Tomatillo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon

April27

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Borage, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Shiso (perilla)

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry

Flowers: Nasturtium

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), 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), Potato, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Summer savory, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Basil, Annual salvia, Marigold

May15

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

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Nasturtium

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Winter squash, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold

June10

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Salsify

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Purslane, 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), Turnip, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Pepper (hot / chili), Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold

July14

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Potato, Pumpkin, Winter melon / wax gourd

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, 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), Turnip, Winter squash, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Parsley, Marigold, Snapdragon, Statice

August26

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Leek, Parsnip, Pepper (hot / chili), Potato, Pumpkin, Salsify, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Herbs: Borage

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Daikon radish, Eggplant, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, Shallot, Spinach, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Basil, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, 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), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock, Strawflower

September60

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip

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

Fruit: Strawberry

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Daikon radish, Fava bean, Garden cress, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Purslane, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Tomatillo, Basil, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower

Start seeds indoors

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

October62

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Bean (bush snap), 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, 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, 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, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Annual salvia, Marigold

Start seeds indoors

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

November51

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, 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)

Can also plant

Celeriac (celery root)

Start seeds indoors

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

December57

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Fennel (bulb), 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), Radicchio, Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Lovage, Parsley

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

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Potato, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Watercress, Catnip, Lemon balm, Mint, Sorrel (French / garden), Blackberry, Grape (bunch)

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Tomato (early / short-season), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Stock, Strawflower

Every crop that grows in San Jose

142 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 21–Jun 4	Jun 5–Sep 27	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Apr 7–21, Sep 5–25	Apr 22–Sep 4	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Dec 19–Jan 2	Jan 3–30	Oct 17–31	Set out plants
Arugula	Sep 29–Mar 18	Mar 19–May 17, Jun 11–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Dec 15–Jan 3	Jan 4–30, Dec 5–14	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Apr 7–21, Sep 19–Oct 10	Apr 22–Sep 18	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Apr 7–21, Aug 15–Sep 5	Apr 22–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	May 21–Jun 4, Aug 21–31	Jun 5–Aug 20	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Apr 7–21, Sep 9–30	Apr 22–Sep 8	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Sep 16–Mar 17	Mar 18–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Apr 7–21, Sep 7–28	Apr 22–Sep 6	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Sep 29–Oct 19, Dec 19–Mar 9	Mar 10–Apr 18, Jul 30–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Sep 14–Mar 15	Mar 16–Sep 13	Aug 3–Feb 1	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Sep 29–Mar 10	Mar 11–Apr 22, Jun 2–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Aug 30–Feb 28	Mar 1–Aug 29	Jul 19–Jan 17	Set out plants
Cabbage	Sep 11–Mar 12	Mar 13–Sep 10	Jul 31–Jan 29	Set out plants
Cardoon	Jan 12–Feb 13, Jun 16–Jul 23, Aug 11–Nov 30	Feb 14–Jun 15, Jul 24–Aug 10, Dec 1–Jan 11	Apr 14–May 21, Jun 9–Sep 28, Nov 10–Dec 12	Set out plants
Carrot	Sep 13–Mar 14	Mar 15–Sep 12	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Sep 14–Oct 4, Dec 12–26	Dec 27–Sep 13	Aug 3–23, Oct 31–Nov 14	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Mar 12–Apr 5, May 29–Nov 2	Apr 6–May 28, Nov 3–Mar 11	Mar 13–Aug 17, Dec 25–Jan 18	Set out plants
Celery	Jan 31–Feb 14, Aug 7–28	Feb 15–Aug 6	May 22–Jun 12, Nov 15–29	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Dec 12–26	Dec 27–Aug 25	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Sep 14–Mar 15	Mar 16–Sep 13	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Sep 11–Mar 12	Mar 13–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Apr 7–21, Sep 12–Oct 3	Apr 22–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Apr 7–21, Sep 10–30	Apr 22–Sep 9	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Oct 2–Feb 26	Feb 27–May 14, Jul 23–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	May 21–Jun 4, Aug 23–30	Jun 5–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	May 21–Jun 4, Aug 26–31	Jun 5–Aug 25	Mar 19–Apr 2, Jun 24–29	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Aug 27–Sep 17, Dec 12–26	Jul 21–Aug 26, Dec 27–Apr 7	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Oct 12–Jan 13	Jan 14–Mar 9, Sep 4–Oct 11	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Sep 6–27, Dec 19–Jan 2	Jan 3–May 5, Jul 14–Sep 5	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Oct 4–Nov 21, Jan 1–Apr 17	Apr 18–May 31, Jun 28–Oct 3, Dec 19–31	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Green onion / scallion	Jan 3–30	Dec 5–Jan 2	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Sep 16–Mar 17	Mar 18–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Sep 21–Mar 22	Mar 23–Sep 20	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Sep 20–Mar 21	Mar 22–Sep 19	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Aug 25–Feb 23	Feb 24–Aug 24	Jun 23–Dec 22	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Sep 26–Mar 15	Mar 16–May 10, Jun 3–Sep 25	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Sep 25–Mar 6	Mar 7–Apr 13, May 24–Sep 24	Aug 21–Jan 30	Set out plants
Mache (corn salad)	Oct 14–Feb 7	Feb 8–Apr 13, Aug 24–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Oct 1–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 28, Jun 8–Sep 30	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Sep 17–Dec 11, Dec 17–Mar 12	Mar 13–Apr 26, May 19–Sep 16, Dec 12–16	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Apr 7–21, Sep 12–Oct 2	Apr 22–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Aug 25–Feb 20	Feb 21–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Sep 17–Mar 18	Mar 19–Sep 16	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Sep 16–Mar 17	Mar 18–Sep 15	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Apr 25–May 9, Aug 18–Sep 8	May 10–Aug 17	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jun 16–Jul 7	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Apr 7–21, Aug 28–Sep 18	Apr 22–Aug 27	Feb 3–17, Jun 26–Jul 17	Set out plants
Popcorn	Apr 7–14	Apr 15–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Jan 21–Apr 5, Jul 6–Sep 7	Apr 6–Jul 5, Dec 5–Jan 20	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Apr 7–21, Jul 24–Aug 14	Apr 22–Jul 23	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	May 21–Jun 4, Sep 18	Jun 5–Sep 17	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Dec 5–29	Dec 30–Jan 23	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Oct 10–Mar 28	Mar 29–May 29, Jun 25–Oct 9	—	Sow seeds
Rutabaga	Sep 27–Feb 5	Feb 6–Mar 28, Jul 9–Sep 26	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Jun 15–Jul 2, Aug 25–Feb 5	Feb 6–Jun 14, Jul 3–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 1–Mar 2	Mar 3–Aug 31	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 11–Feb 19	Feb 20–Apr 22, Aug 3–Oct 10	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Apr 7–21, Sep 15–Oct 5	Apr 22–Sep 14	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Jan 2–23	Dec 12–Jan 1	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Apr 7–14, Aug 28–Sep 17	Apr 15–Aug 27	—	Sow seeds
Swiss chard	Sep 6–Dec 6, Dec 30–Mar 30	Mar 31–Sep 5, Dec 7–29	—	Sow seeds
Taro (dasheen)	Apr 7–23	—	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Apr 7–21	Apr 22–Sep 15	Feb 24–Mar 10	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Apr 7–21, Sep 12–Oct 2	Apr 22–Sep 11	Feb 17–Mar 3, Jul 25–Aug 14	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Jan 31–Feb 7, Sep 17–Oct 7	Feb 8–Sep 16	Jul 30–Aug 19, Dec 13–20	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	May 21–Jun 4	Jun 5–Aug 29	Apr 2–16	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Apr 7–21, Aug 30–Sep 20	Apr 22–Aug 29	Feb 17–Mar 3, Jul 12–Aug 2	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Apr 7–21, Aug 28–Sep 17	Apr 22–Aug 27	Feb 17–Mar 3, Jul 10–30	Set out plants
Turnip	Sep 21–Mar 22	Mar 23–Sep 20	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Jan 9–Feb 6	Dec 12–Jan 8	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	May 21–Jun 4, Jul 24–Aug 10	Jun 5–Jul 23	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Apr 7–21, Aug 3–24	Apr 22–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

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

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 5–30	Nov 28–Jan 4	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	May 21–Jun 4, Aug 16–29	Jun 5–Aug 15	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Apr 7–21	Apr 22–Sep 20	Mar 3–17	Set out plants
Fig	Dec 12–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 20	—	Set out plants
Grape (bunch)	Dec 29–Jan 16	Dec 5–28	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Apr 7–21	Apr 22–Sep 25	Feb 17–Mar 3	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	May 21–Jun 4, Aug 13–27	Jun 5–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in San Jose

These need a climate San Jose 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 43°F.
Blueberry: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
Bottle gourd / cucuzza: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
Cassava (yuca): The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 285 days it needs.
Celosia: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 80 days it needs.
Chaya (tree spinach): The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 332 days it needs.
Cuban oregano: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
Culantro: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
Ginger: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 270 days it needs.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Lemongrass: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 88 days it needs.
Luffa gourd: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
Malabar spinach: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 65 days it needs.
Moringa: The frost-free season (about 357 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 357 days) is shorter than the 52 days it needs.
Okra: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 58 days it needs.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 43°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 43°F.
Peanut: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 130 days it needs.
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster): The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 38 days it needs.
Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 357 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 43°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 43°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 43°F.
Roselle: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 108 days it needs.
Southern pea / cowpea: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
Stevia: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 100 days it needs.
Sweet potato: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
Winged bean: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
Yardlong bean: The frost-free season (about 357 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

San Francisco, CA 42 mi · frost-free
Sacramento, CA 89 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Fresno, CA 124 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Bakersfield, CA 210 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Los Angeles, CA 306 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 San Jose 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).