What to plant in July in California
In California (CA), July is the heart of the growing season - about 21 weeks after the last frost (February 20) and 20 weeks before the first (December 1). 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).
3 crops have a sowing or planting window this month.
Dates here come from California frost dates (last frost Feb 20, first frost Dec 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant tomato, lettuce or garlic 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
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Cucumber: sow again on Jul 10 and Jul 31
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Jul 17
- Basil: sow again on Jul 10 and Jul 31
Harvesting in July
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.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in California
- Water deeply two or three times a week rather than a little every day - about an inch a week, more in heat. See watering a vegetable garden.
- 20 weeks until the average first frost (December 1). Plan the fall garden now - most fall crops are sown 8-12 weeks before first frost. See the fall and winter garden guide.
- Check the undersides of leaves twice a week - catching pests early is most of the battle (pest identification guide).
- Harvest often: leek, salsify, celery, luffa (loofah gourd) should be coming in. Picking regularly keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
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 July?
3 crops have a window in July: . The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in California in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next tomato window opens around December 26: start seeds indoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in California in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next lettuce window opens around September 26: sow for a fall crop.
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 can I harvest in California in July?
From plantings made on time: leek, salsify, celery, luffa (loofah gourd), peanut, sweet potato, chayote.
What to plant in July 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.