California · zones 7a–10b
When to plant spinach in California.
Sow between Jan 1 to Jan 4 in a typical year, keyed to California's median last frost around Jan 14. A second, fall sowing fits Sep 30 to Nov 18. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Spinach dates for a typical California season.
Direct sow
Jan 1 to Jan 4
Keyed to the ~Jan 14 last frost. Sow 0.5" deep, 3" apart.
Fall round
Sep 30 to Nov 18
Counted back from the ~Dec 14 first frost.
Harvest
~42 days later
~0.25 lb per plant over ~1 weeks.
California spans more than one climate: Zone 10 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10b. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone — mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.