What to Plant in California
Your complete gardening guide for California (USDA Zones 5–11, typically Zone 9). Browse 1889 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.
Last Frost
None – April 30
By zone (11 → 5)
First Frost
October 5 – None
By zone (5 → 11)
Growing Season
155–365 days
Shortest → longest
Varieties
1889
across 28 categories
Growing Season
Plant after February 15 · Harvest before December 1
California · Zones 5–11
All Zone 9 plants →California spans Zones 5–11. The timeline above shows typical Zone 9 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.
Best Crops for California
1,889 varieties across 28 categories
Alliums
44 varieties for California
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Beans & Legumes
84 varieties for California
Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.
Berries & Fruits
37 varieties for California
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.
Brassicas
79 varieties for California
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.
Corn
32 varieties for California
Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.
Cucumbers
31 varieties for California
Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.
Eggplants
29 varieties for California
Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.
Flowers
523 varieties for California
Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.
Fruit Trees
31 varieties for California
Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.
Grasses & Bamboo
37 varieties for California
Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.
Ground Covers
24 varieties for California
Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.
Herbs
104 varieties for California
Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.
Lettuce & Salad Greens
110 varieties for California
Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.
Melons
38 varieties for California
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.
Microgreens
57 varieties for California
Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.
Native Wildflowers
90 varieties for California
Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.
Nut Trees
24 varieties for California
Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.
Ornamental Trees
34 varieties for California
Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.
Peas
35 varieties for California
Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.
Peppers
73 varieties for California
Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.
Root Vegetables
56 varieties for California
Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.
Roses
55 varieties for California
Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.
Shade Trees
35 varieties for California
Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.
Shrubs & Hedges
47 varieties for California
Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
Squash & Cucumbers
60 varieties for California
Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Tomatoes
91 varieties for California
From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.
Tropical Plants
21 varieties for California
Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.
Vines & Climbers
8 varieties for California
Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.