What to plant in February in California

Last chance in February

Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Feb 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Feb 2) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Feb 6) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 9) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 9) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Feb 9) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Feb 13) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Feb 16) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Feb 16)

Sow or plant outdoors in February (105)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in February, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

Start seeds indoors in February (7)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

Keep sowing (succession)

Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.

• Pea: sow again on Feb 9 and Feb 21
• Spinach: sow again on Feb 9 and Feb 21
• Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Feb 13 and Feb 27

Harvesting in February

First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.

Planting dates for popular crops in California

Every crop has its own full-year dates for California: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

Last-frost month: February garden jobs in California

1. The average last frost is February 20. Hardy crops can go out now - green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean) - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
2. Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
3. Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
4. Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the California average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for California

California spans USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.

Questions gardeners ask