What to plant in November in California
In California (CA), November sits about 2 weeks before the average first fall frost (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).
2 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including radish - and 1 of those windows close during November.
Dates here come from California frost dates (last frost Feb 20, first frost Dec 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant radish, tomato or lettuce 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 November
Radish (sow for a fall crop, by Nov 3)
For fall and winter harvests (1)
Sowings counted back from California's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Oct 17 – Nov 3 | Last chance - ends Nov 3 |
Start seeds indoors in November (1)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeriac | Start seeds indoors | Nov 28 – Dec 12 | Opens Nov 28 |
Harvesting in November
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.
Spring bulbs to plant in November in California
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
Fall garden season: November garden jobs in California
- The average first frost is December 1, about 2 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: radish. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
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 November?
2 crops have a window in November: radish, celeriac. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in California in November?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next garlic window opens around December 12: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in California in November?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In California the next tomato window opens around December 26: start seeds indoors.
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 November in California?
Celeriac (Nov 28 – Dec 12).
What to plant in November 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.