When to Plant in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California, benefits from a unique climate that is essentially frost-free throughout the year. This means that gardeners in Long Beach can enjoy the luxury of continuous growing seasons without the threat of hard frost disrupting their plans. Gardeners can sow seeds for quick-growing greens and herbs at almost any time, allowing for multiple succession plantings to ensure a steady harvest. This opens up the opportunity to cultivate a vast variety of crops, adapting to the different seasonal conditions without the constraints imposed by frost dates.

The city’s Mediterranean climate features mild, dry summers which are ideal for many crops. Varieties such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thrive due to the warm temperatures and ample sunlight characteristic of this region. However, some cool-weather crops may struggle, particularly those that require a pronounced winter chill, such as certain apple varieties. Additionally, crops that are sensitive to humidity may also experience difficulties in bloom or fruit production during the warmer months.

What to plant now in Long Beach

Consider planting leafy greens like kale and spinach which can thrive almost year-round in the absence of frost. Regular sowing can ensure a continuous harvest.
Herbs such as basil and cilantro are great to sow now; they flourish in the warm season and can be harvested multiple times over their growing periods.
Warm-season crops like squash and cucumbers can also be planted now, taking advantage of the absence of frost and the warm temperatures.
Don’t forget about succession plantings! Sowing smaller batches of crops every few weeks keeps your harvest plentiful and diverse throughout the year.

Long Beach has a year-round, frost-free season. Cool-season crops: Lettuce, Carrots, Peas, Onion, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Radish, Beets, Potatoes, Garlic, Strawberry, Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Brussel Sprouts, Cilantro, Parsley, Celery, Scallions, Turnip, Kohlrabi, Bok Choy, Collards, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Lavender, Mint. Warm-season crops: Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Beans, Zucchini, Corn, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Eggplant, Okra, Basil, Cantaloupe, Cosmos, Marigolds, Melons, Nasturtiums, Pole Beans, Spaghetti Squash, Sunflowers, Tomatillos, Watermelon, Yellow Squash, Zinnias.

Month by month in Long Beach

Month	What to do
January	With no frost to worry about, this is a perfect time to plant leafy greens and herbs. You can start sowing spinach, lettuce, and kale for an early spring harvest.
February	Continue planting cool-season crops like peas and beets. As temperatures begin to slowly rise, you can also start preparing beds for warm-season crops.
March	This month is ideal for sowing beans and starting transplants for tomatoes and peppers. The mild climate encourages robust growth and healthy plants.
April	As days get longer and warmer, plant warm-weather crops like corn and squash. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist during the hotter days.
May	May marks peak planting time for summer vegetables. Transplant tomatoes and peppers while continuing to sow fast-growing crops such as radishes and lettuce.
June	The heat intensifies, making it crucial to water consistently. This month is perfect for direct-seeding cucumbers and melons which thrive in warm soil.
July	July is ideal for maintaining your summer crops. Continue to sow crops in succession to harvest throughout the summer months.
August	As temperatures peak, focus on watering and protecting plants from heat stress. Begin planning for fall crops, particularly cool-season vegetables.
September	Cooler temperatures return, and it's time to sow fall crops like carrots and broccoli. Take advantage of the warm soil for rapid germination.
October	This month is excellent for planting winter crops such as garlic and onion sets. You can also start a cover crop to improve soil health over winter.
November	As temperatures drop, focus on protecting your plants from the cooler nights. Continue harvesting fall crops and planning your winter planting.
December	This is a good time for maintaining your soil and garden beds. Consider growing cool-season crops under row covers to further utilize your space.

Frost dates for Long Beach ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
90805	—	—	10b
90815	—	—	10a
90806	—	—	10b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Long Beach?

Long Beach does not experience 32°F frost according to the long-term NOAA record for this area. This means that frost is essentially absent, allowing gardeners the freedom to plant year-round without the concern of frost damage to tender plants.

What vegetables grow best in Long Beach?

Vegetables that flourish in Long Beach include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and a variety of herbs. These crops thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate.

When should I plant tomatoes in Long Beach?

In Long Beach, tomatoes can be planted from late winter to early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. Continuous warmth makes for an extended growing period.

Can I garden year-round in Long Beach?

Absolutely! The frost-free climate allows for year-round gardening. You can cultivate a wide variety of crops and take advantage of seasonal transitions for optimal growth.

How does Plan My Garden help Long Beach gardeners?

Plan My Garden offers customized planting calendars, tips for crop selection based on local climate, and tools to help gardeners succeed in maximizing their harvests year-round in Long Beach.