Gardening in California — Planting Guide
Everything you need to grow a successful garden in California. Local climate data, USDA zones, frost dates, and month-by-month planting calendars for 5 cities.
Climate Overview for California
California spans USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, reflecting multiple climate types including Warm-summer Mediterranean and Hot-summer Mediterranean. Growing seasons range from 280 to 355 frost-free days, and annual rainfall varies from 262 to 600mm across the state.
Best Plants for California
These plants are rated easy across every city we track in California
Basil
Herb50-75 days to harvest
easy in California
Lettuce
Vegetable30-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Mint
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in California
Green Bean
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Sunflower
Flower70-100 days to harvest
easy in California
Radish
Vegetable22-30 days to harvest
easy in California
Arugula
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in California
Swiss Chard
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Green Onion
Vegetable20-30 days to harvest
easy in California
Marigold
Flower45-50 days to harvest
easy in California
Zinnia
Flower60-70 days to harvest
easy in California
Pansy
Flower55-80 days to harvest
easy in California
Cosmos
Flower50-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Aloe Vera
Herb365-730 days to harvest
easy in California
Chive
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in California
Calendula
Flower45-65 days to harvest
easy in California
Catnip
Herb60-80 days to harvest
easy in California
Clover
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in California
Cress
Vegetable7-14 days to harvest
easy in California
Dandelion
Vegetable45-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Nasturtium
Flower35-52 days to harvest
easy in California
Yarrow
Flower60-90 days to harvest
easy in California
Borage
Herb50-60 days to harvest
easy in California
Mizuna
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in California
Tatsoi
Vegetable21-45 days to harvest
easy in California
Buckwheat
Grain30-45 days to harvest
easy in CaliforniaCities in California
| City | USDA Zone | Frost-Free Days | Rainfall (mm) | Climate | Plantable Crops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 9 | 355 | 380 | Warm-summer Mediterranean | 207 crops |
| San Francisco | 9 | 355 | 600 | Warm-summer Mediterranean | 207 crops |
| San Diego | 9 | 355 | 262 | Warm-summer Mediterranean | 207 crops |
| Sacramento | 7 | 290 | 475 | Hot-summer Mediterranean | 207 crops |
| Fresno | 7 | 280 | 292 | Hot-summer Mediterranean | 207 crops |
Planting Guides by City
Los Angeles
Zone 9 · Warm-summer Mediterranean
San Francisco
Zone 9 · Warm-summer Mediterranean
San Diego
Zone 9 · Warm-summer Mediterranean
Sacramento
Zone 7 · Hot-summer Mediterranean
Fresno
Zone 7 · Hot-summer Mediterranean
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardening in California
What grows well in California?
Plants that grow easily across all California cities include: Basil, Lettuce, Mint, Green Bean, Sunflower, Radish. These are rated "easy" in every city we track in California. Your specific growing success will also depend on local microclimate and soil conditions.
What USDA hardiness zone is California?
California spans USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. The specific zone for your area depends on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast.
When is the best time to plant a garden in California?
The best planting time in California varies by city. Growing seasons range from 280 to 355 frost-free days. Cities like Los Angeles with 355 frost-free days can plant nearly year-round. Click on any city below for month-by-month planting calendars.