12 Crops You Can Still Plant Late in the Season in California
12 Crops You Can Still Plant Late in the Season in California
According to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, California's extended growing season (often 8 to 12 frost-free months depending on zone) allows gardeners to plant productive crops well into July, August, and even September, long after most national gardening guides say the season is over (UC ANR). While gardeners in much of the country are winding down by midsummer, California growers can take advantage of warm soil, reliable sunshine, and mild falls to squeeze out a full second harvest before winter.
Every summer in Santa Cruz, I hear the same question from gardeners: "Is it too late to plant anything?" The answer is almost always no. California's long season is one of our biggest advantages, and knowing which crops to plant in the second half of summer can extend your harvest by months. These 12 crops are the best options for late-season planting across California's coastal, inland, and valley zones.
California Late-Season Planting Windows
Last safe planting dates by climate zone for all 12 crops
| Crop | Days to Harvest | Coastal | Inland Valley | Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bush Beans | 50-60 | Early Sep | Mid-Aug | Late Jul |
| Cucumbers | 55-65 | Late Jul | Mid-Jul | Early Jul |
| Summer Squash | 50-65 | Early Aug | Late Jul | Mid-Jul |
| Lettuce | 30-60 | Oct | Sep-Oct | Aug-Sep |
| Beets | 55-70 | Sep | Aug-Sep | Aug |
| Carrots | 55-80 | Oct | Sep | Aug |
| Broccoli | 60-90 | Sep | Aug-Sep | Aug |
| Kale | 55-75 | Sep | Aug-Sep | Jul-Aug |
| Radishes | 25-30 | Nov | Oct | Sep |
| Cilantro | 45-70 | Oct | Sep-Oct | Sep |
| Peas | 60-70 | Nov | Sep-Oct | Sep |
| Turnips | 38-60 | Oct | Sep-Oct | Aug-Sep |
1. Bush Beans
Bush beans are one of the best late-season crops because they grow fast and produce quickly. Most bush bean varieties mature in just 50 to 60 days from sowing, which means a July planting is harvesting by September and an August planting finishes before the first frost in most California zones.
Best late-season varieties: 'Provider' is especially quick to mature (50 days) and tolerates cooler fall temperatures. 'Contender' is another fast producer with good disease resistance. 'Jade' bush beans produce long, slender pods and handle heat well for midsummer plantings.
When to plant: Direct sow from July through mid-August in most California zones. Coastal gardeners can push this to early September. Beans germinate quickly in warm summer soil (often within 5 days), giving them a head start that spring plantings do not enjoy.
Growing tip: Late-season beans benefit from consistent watering, since summer heat dries soil quickly. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and keep soil temperatures from getting too hot. Beans also fix nitrogen, making them an excellent preceding crop for fall-planted greens. our guide to growing beans and peas
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers planted in July can produce a generous fall harvest in California. The warm soil and long days of midsummer actually give cucumbers ideal germination and early growth conditions. According to UC Cooperative Extension, cucumbers need 55 to 65 days from sowing to harvest, putting a July planting right on track for September and October picking.
Best late-season varieties: 'Marketmore 76' is reliable and disease-resistant. 'Lemon' cucumbers are fast-maturing and incredibly productive. 'Muncher' is a thin-skinned variety that handles heat well and is ready in about 60 days.
When to plant: Direct sow seeds through mid-July in most zones. Coastal gardeners can plant through late July. The key is having enough warm days ahead for the crop to mature before nighttime temperatures drop consistently below 50 degrees F in fall.
Growing tip: Late-planted cucumbers often produce into November on the California coast. Provide a trellis to keep fruit off the ground, where cool, damp fall conditions can promote rot. Harvest frequently to keep plants productive.
3. Summer Squash and Zucchini
A second planting of summer squash in July takes advantage of warm soil for fast germination while avoiding the squash bugs and powdery mildew that plague early-season plants. UC Master Gardeners note that late-planted squash often produces cleaner, healthier plants because pest pressure diminishes in late summer and fall.
Best late-season varieties: 'Black Beauty' zucchini is the reliable standard. 'Patty Pan' scallop squash matures quickly (about 50 days). 'Costata Romanesco' is a slower-maturing Italian heirloom, so choose it only for July plantings when you have enough time for its 60 to 65 day maturity.
When to plant: Direct sow seeds in July. Coastal gardeners can plant into early August. Summer squash matures in 50 to 65 days, so July plantings produce from September into November in mild zones.
Growing tip: Late-season squash benefits from the reduced pest pressure that comes with cooler fall weather. Powdery mildew is less severe on plants that mature in fall compared to those that have been growing all summer. Remove any affected leaves promptly to keep the plant productive. our squash growing guide
4. Lettuce and Salad Greens
Late summer is actually the ideal time to start your fall and winter lettuce garden in California. As temperatures begin to moderate in September, lettuce seeds germinate well and seedlings grow quickly. UC ANR notes that lettuce grows best between 45 and 65 degrees F, which is exactly what California offers from late September through spring.
Best late-season varieties: 'Black Seeded Simpson' loose-leaf lettuce is fast and forgiving. 'Winter Density' is a semi-cos type bred for cool-season performance. 'Red Salad Bowl' adds color and handles variable fall temperatures well. Mesclun mixes designed for fall planting provide diverse, continuous harvests.
When to plant: Start seeds in August for the earliest fall harvest, or sow from September through October for winter production. In the hottest inland valleys, wait until nighttime temperatures drop below 70 degrees F before sowing, as lettuce seeds go dormant in extreme heat.
Growing tip: If starting lettuce in August when temperatures are still warm, provide afternoon shade or use shade cloth (50 percent) to keep seedlings from cooking. Once the weather cools in September, remove the shade. Lettuce planted this way will be producing heavily by October and continue through winter. growing lettuce in California
5. Beets
Beets are an excellent late-season crop that handles the transition from warm to cool weather gracefully. Planted in late summer, beets develop their roots in fall's moderate temperatures, which produces sweeter, more tender roots than summer-grown beets. UC Cooperative Extension notes that beets grow best between 55 and 75 degrees F.
Best late-season varieties: 'Detroit Dark Red' is the classic and matures in about 55 days. 'Chioggia' (the striped candy-cane beet) is beautiful and sweet. 'Golden' beets are mild, do not bleed red, and mature slightly faster than standard varieties.
When to plant: Direct sow seeds from July through September. An August planting produces roots by October or November. Beets tolerate light frost, so the fall harvest window is generous, and you can leave roots in the ground and pull them as needed through winter on the coast.
Growing tip: Beet seeds are actually clusters of multiple seeds, so thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart once they are a couple of inches tall. Do not waste the thinnings. Baby beet greens are tender and delicious in salads. growing root vegetables in California
6. Carrots
Carrots planted in late summer produce some of the sweetest roots of the year. Cool fall and winter temperatures trigger carrots to convert starches to sugars, resulting in remarkably flavorful roots. According to UC ANR, carrots tolerate light frost and can be stored in the ground through winter in mild zones.
Best late-season varieties: 'Nantes' types like 'Scarlet Nantes' and 'Bolero' are sweet and reliable. 'Nelson' is an early-maturing Nantes type ready in about 55 days. 'Purple Haze' adds dramatic color and sweetness. For heavy soils, 'Chantenay' types produce shorter, stout roots that push through clay more easily.
When to plant: Direct sow from July through October. Late-summer sowings germinate quickly in warm soil (7 to 10 days), compared to the 14 to 21 days that spring sowings often require. An August planting produces roots by November and can be harvested through winter.
Growing tip: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period. In summer heat, this may mean watering lightly twice a day. A thin layer of row cover or burlap over the seedbed helps retain moisture and prevents the soil surface from crusting.
7. Broccoli
Late summer is the prime time to plant broccoli for a fall and winter harvest in California. Broccoli transplants set out in August or September grow through the cooling fall weather and produce heads during the mild winter months. UC Cooperative Extension identifies broccoli as one of the most valuable cool-season crops for California gardens.
Best late-season varieties: 'De Cicco' produces a central head plus many side shoots for extended harvest. 'Calabrese' is another excellent side-shoot producer. 'Waltham 29' is cold-hardy and bred for fall planting. Start with transplants rather than seeds for late-season plantings to save time.
When to plant: Set out transplants in August or September. Starting from seed at this point takes too long; buy transplants from a nursery for late-season broccoli. Plants set out in September produce heads from November through February in coastal California.
Growing tip: Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Work plenty of compost into the soil before planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or fish emulsion) every three to four weeks. Well-fed plants produce larger, tighter heads.
8. Kale
Planting kale in late summer is one of the smartest moves a California gardener can make. By the time cool weather arrives in fall, plants are established and ready to produce through the entire winter. Kale tolerates temperatures down to 20 degrees F, according to UC ANR, and improves in flavor after frost.
Best late-season varieties: 'Lacinato' (dinosaur kale) is the most versatile for cooking. 'Red Russian' is tender enough for raw salads and handles the transition from warm to cool weather. 'Winterbor' curly kale is the most cold-hardy option for mountain and inland zones.
When to plant: Direct sow or transplant from July through September. Earlier plantings establish larger plants before winter, but even a September planting will produce leaves through winter and into spring. Kale is one of the most flexible crops on this list in terms of planting timing.
Growing tip: Harvest outer leaves and leave the growing center intact. This technique transforms kale from a one-time harvest into a plant that produces for 6 to 12 months. A single kale plant started in August can still be going strong the following spring. our complete guide to growing greens in California
Second-Crop Succession Planner
What to plant when your summer crops finish
9. Radishes
Radishes are the fastest-maturing crop on this list and can be planted incredibly late in the season. With many varieties ready in just 25 to 30 days, you can sow radish seeds in September or even October and still harvest before any real cold arrives. UC Master Gardeners call radishes the ultimate gap-filler in the garden.
Best late-season varieties: 'Cherry Belle' matures in about 25 days and is nearly foolproof. 'French Breakfast' is mild and elongated. For larger fall radishes, try daikon varieties like 'Miyashige,' which take 50 to 60 days but produce substantial roots perfect for fall soups and pickling.
When to plant: Direct sow from July through October (or even November in mild coastal zones). Quick varieties can be succession-planted every two to three weeks for continuous harvest. Radishes are ideal for filling in spots where early-season crops have been harvested.
Growing tip: Radishes grow best in loose, well-drained soil. If your garden has heavy clay, grow them in raised beds or containers. Water consistently to prevent the roots from becoming woody or pithy, which is a common problem in hot weather.
10. Cilantro
Late summer is the perfect time to plant cilantro in California. While spring-planted cilantro bolts within weeks as temperatures rise, cilantro sown in August or September grows through the cooling fall weather and produces lush, leafy growth for months. UC Cooperative Extension notes that cilantro thrives between 50 and 70 degrees F.
Best late-season varieties: 'Santo' is the standard slow-bolt variety and performs beautifully in fall. 'Calypso' resists bolting even longer. 'Leisure' produces abundant leaves and handles cool weather well.
When to plant: Direct sow from August through October. Seeds germinate quickly in warm August soil, and plants grow steadily as temperatures cool. A September sowing produces harvestable cilantro by October and continues through winter on the coast.
Growing tip: Sow cilantro seeds directly in the garden, as it does not transplant well due to its taproot. Plant a new row every three to four weeks for continuous harvest. If you have had cilantro bolt on you in spring, fall planting will be a revelation.
11. Peas (for Late Fall and Winter Harvest)
Peas planted in September or October take advantage of cooling fall temperatures and produce pods in late fall through early spring. According to UC ANR, peas grow best between 55 and 70 degrees F, and California's fall weather provides a second window for this classic cool-season crop.
Best late-season varieties: 'Sugar Snap' is the classic edible-pod pea. 'Oregon Sugar Pod II' is a reliable snow pea. 'Cascadia' snap pea is compact and disease-resistant. All of these mature in 60 to 70 days, making them well-suited for fall planting.
When to plant: Direct sow from September through November in coastal California. Inland gardeners should plant in September to ensure pods form before frost. Peas planted in October on the coast begin producing in December or January and continue into spring.
Growing tip: Provide a trellis or support at planting time so vines can climb immediately. Peas planted in fall grow more slowly than spring-planted ones due to shorter days, but the cooler temperatures produce sweeter, more tender pods. our guide to growing beans and peas
12. Turnips
Turnips are an underappreciated late-season crop that grows quickly and tolerates cool weather. According to UC Cooperative Extension, turnips mature in 45 to 60 days and handle light frost without damage, making them ideal for planting from midsummer through early fall in California.
Best late-season varieties: 'Hakurei' is a Japanese salad turnip with silky-smooth texture and mild, sweet flavor. It is ready in just 38 days and can be eaten raw like an apple. 'Purple Top White Globe' is the classic American turnip, ready in about 55 days. 'Tokyo Cross' is another fast-maturing variety with excellent flavor.
When to plant: Direct sow from July through October. 'Hakurei' turnips planted in September are ready by late October. Turnips are surprisingly heat-tolerant when young and transition smoothly into cool fall conditions as they size up.
Growing tip: Do not overlook turnip greens. The leafy tops are nutritious and flavorful, tasting like a cross between mustard greens and spinach. Harvest the greens as the turnip develops, then pull the root when it reaches full size. You get two crops from one planting.
Late-Season Crops at a Glance
Speed, method, and best variety for each crop
Why Can California Gardeners Plant So Late in the Season?
California's long growing season is the result of mild fall temperatures, late frost dates, and abundant sunshine even as days shorten. According to UC ANR, many California zones have frost-free periods of 250 to 365 days per year, compared to 120 to 180 days in most of the Midwest and Northeast. This means that crops planted in July or August still have 3 to 5 months of growing weather ahead.
Coastal gardeners have the biggest advantage. In Santa Cruz, the average first frost date is mid-December or later, and many winters pass without a hard freeze at all. This means fall-planted crops have a remarkably long runway. Inland valley gardeners have first frost dates in late November or December, while mountain gardeners may see frost as early as October.
The key to successful late-season planting is matching the crop to the remaining warm days. Fast-maturing crops like beans, radishes, and lettuce can be planted latest. Slower crops like broccoli and carrots need to be started earlier in the window. Knowing your zone's first frost date is the single most important piece of information for late-season planning. understanding California climate zones
Frequently Asked Questions
Is July too late to plant vegetables in California?
No. July is an excellent time to plant many vegetables in California. According to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, fast-maturing crops like bush beans (50 to 60 days), cucumbers (55 to 65 days), and summer squash (50 to 65 days) all have plenty of time to produce when planted in July. Cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and broccoli can also be started in July as transplants for fall harvest. California's long season gives July-planted crops 3 to 5 more growing months.
What vegetables can I plant in August in California?
August is ideal for planting crops that will produce in fall and winter. Bush beans, lettuce, kale, beets, carrots, radishes, broccoli (transplants), cilantro, and turnips all perform well when planted in August. UC Cooperative Extension recommends starting cool-season crops in August to get them established before the shortest winter days. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should not be started this late, as they will not have enough warm days to produce.
Can I plant tomatoes in July in California?
It depends on your zone. In inland valleys with long, warm falls, a fast-maturing tomato variety like 'Early Girl' (50 to 60 days to first fruit) planted as a transplant in early July may produce before fall temperatures drop. On the coast, July-planted tomatoes rarely produce well because they need warm conditions to ripen, and coastal falls are cool. UC Master Gardeners generally recommend planting tomatoes by May or June for the best results in most California zones.
What is the latest I can plant in California?
In coastal California, you can plant certain crops as late as October or November. Radishes, lettuce, peas, cilantro, and garlic all establish well in fall plantings. According to UC ANR, the limiting factor is not cold (which is mild on the coast) but rather the short daylight hours of winter, which slow growth significantly. The latest plantings should be fast-maturing varieties or crops that grow through winter for spring harvest, like garlic and fava beans.
Should I start late-season crops from seed or transplants?
For fast-maturing crops like beans, radishes, carrots, and cilantro, direct sowing is best because these crops grow quickly from seed in warm summer soil. For slower crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, buying transplants saves 4 to 6 weeks and is strongly recommended for late-season planting. UC Cooperative Extension advises that transplants give late-season crops the head start they need to mature before winter conditions slow growth.
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