FrostCal

When to Plant Spinach in California

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 5 – Dec 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Nov 17 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 15 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 40–50 days

Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Spinach Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseNov 21 – Dec 5Oct 30 – Nov 13
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 3 – Dec 17Oct 19 – Nov 2
SacramentoDec 1 – Dec 15Oct 21 – Nov 4
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldDec 20 – Jan 3Oct 13 – Oct 27
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideNov 28 – Dec 12Oct 30 – Nov 13
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonDec 25 – Jan 8Oct 13 – Oct 27
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontNov 26 – Dec 10Oct 27 – Nov 10
San BernardinoDec 16 – Dec 30Oct 24 – Nov 7
FontanaNov 29 – Dec 13Nov 7 – Nov 21
ModestoDec 20 – Jan 3Oct 10 – Oct 24
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 16 – Dec 30Oct 24 – Nov 7
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleNov 21 – Dec 5Oct 31 – Nov 14
Santa ClaritaNov 27 – Dec 11Nov 6 – Nov 20
Santa RosaJan 14 – Jan 28Oct 6 – Oct 20
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaNov 23 – Dec 7Nov 4 – Nov 18
OntarioNov 23 – Dec 7Nov 4 – Nov 18
Elk GroveDec 22 – Jan 5Oct 7 – Oct 21

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant spinach in California?

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 5 – Dec 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Nov 17 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 15 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do spinach take to grow?

Spinach typically take 40–50 days from planting to harvest. Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Other Crops in California

When to plant spinach in other states

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