What to plant in January in California
In California (CA), January sits about 5 weeks before the average last frost (February 20). The state averages 284 frost-free days a year (last frost February 20, first frost December 1; USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b).
70 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 16 of those windows close during January.
Dates here come from California frost dates (last frost Feb 20, first frost Dec 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in California.
California covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
California: planting activity through the year
Last chance in January
Bell Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Chili Pepper (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Ginger (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Green Onion / Scallion (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Mint (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Oregano (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Sage (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Tarragon (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Thyme (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Turmeric (start seeds indoors, by Jan 2) · Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Jan 9)
Sow or plant outdoors in January (45)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in January, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 11 – Jan 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 30 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 11 – Jan 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 30 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 11 – Jan 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 30 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Jan 16 – Feb 2 | Opens Jan 16 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 18 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 18 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Jan 23 – Feb 9 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Jan 25 – Feb 13 | Opens Jan 25 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Jan 30 – Feb 16 | Opens Jan 30 |
Start seeds indoors in January (47)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Chili Pepper | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Ginger | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Mint | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Oregano | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Sage | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Tarragon | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Thyme | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Turmeric | Start seeds indoors | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Last chance - ends Jan 2 |
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Last chance - ends Jan 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Opens Jan 23 |
Harvesting in January
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.
Seed-starting season: January garden jobs in California
- Start 47 crops indoors this month, including bell pepper, chili pepper, ginger, green onion / scallion. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 5 weeks until the average last frost (February 20). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
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
What vegetables can I plant in California in January?
70 crops have a window in January: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in California in January?
No - start seeds indoors runs Dec 26 – Jan 9 in California, so do it before January 9.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in California in January?
No - start seeds indoors runs Jan 16 – Jan 30 in California, so do it before January 30.
When is the first frost in California?
The statewide average first fall frost is around December 1 and the last spring frost around February 20. California covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in January in California?
Bell Pepper (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Chili Pepper (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Ginger (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Green Onion / Scallion (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Mint (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Oregano (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Sage (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Tarragon (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Thyme (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Turmeric (Dec 19 – Jan 2), Ground Cherry (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Lemon Balm (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Shiso (Perilla) (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Sweet Marjoram (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Tomatillo (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Tomato (Dec 26 – Jan 9), Broccoli (Jan 2 – Jan 16), Brussels Sprouts (Jan 2 – Jan 16), Cabbage (Jan 2 – Jan 16), Cauliflower (Jan 2 – Jan 16), Kale (Jan 2 – Jan 16), Basil (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Collard Greens (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Endive & Escarole (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Kohlrabi (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Malabar Spinach (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Okra (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Radicchio (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Summer Savory (Jan 9 – Jan 23), Bitter Melon (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Cucamelon (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Fennel (Bulb) (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Lettuce (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Napa Cabbage (Jan 16 – Jan 30), New Zealand Spinach (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Peanut (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Swiss Chard (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Watercress (Jan 16 – Jan 30), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Cucumber (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Pumpkin (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Sunflower (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Watermelon (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Winter Squash (Jan 23 – Feb 6), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Jan 23 – Feb 6).
What to plant in January in other states
Dates are computed from California’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.