When to Plant in Santa Ana, CA

In Santa Ana, the climate is characterized by an absence of hard frost, which allows for year-round growing opportunities for a wide variety of crops. Gardeners can take advantage of this unique situation by planting continuous greens such as lettuce and kale, as well as perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme, that thrive in the constant warmth. The lack of frost means that succession sowings can occur throughout the year, enabling a longer harvest season for many vegetables and herbs.

The Mediterranean climate of Santa Ana features mild, dry summers, making it ideal for growing crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that flourish in these conditions. These heat-loving crops enjoy the full sun and extended growing days that the region provides. However, crops that require winter chill, such as certain varieties of apples and cherries, may struggle to produce satisfactory yields, as the mild winters do not meet the chilling requirements necessary for bud formation.

What to plant now in Santa Ana

Now is an excellent time to sow seeds for both cool-season and warm-season crops since frost is not a concern. Consider planting leafy greens, radishes, and early summer vegetables.
Herbs like basil, oregano, and cilantro can also be sown now as they thrive in the warm climate. Start a continuous harvest approach for a fresh supply throughout the year.
If you haven't already, prepare your garden with plenty of organic matter and mulch. The soil will benefit from this, helping retain moisture and provide nutrition to your plants.
Plan to sow seeds in succession every few weeks to ensure a steady supply of fresh vegetables and herbs. This practice will maximize your harvest and keep your garden productive year-round.

Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana

Month	What to do
January	In January, take advantage of Santa Ana's mild winter by planting cool-season crops like spinach and peas. The mild weather supports steady growth, allowing for an early spring harvest.
February	As temperatures begin to rise, sow direct seeds of carrots, beets, and early varieties of squash. Prepare your warm-season beds for future planting while continuing to harvest winter crops.
March	March is ideal for transplanting warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers. By now, the days are getting longer, promoting healthy growth as the temperature begins to warm.
April	April marks the time to plant melons, cucumbers, and corn. With warm days ahead, ensure consistent watering and mulch around your plants to conserve moisture in the warmer months.
May	In May, summer crops like zucchini and okra can be planted. Monitor for pests and ensure your plants are well-fed with organic fertilizers to boost growth throughout the summer.
June	June brings the heat; ensure adequate watering and care for your ample summer harvest. Consider planting additional rounds of beans for continuous harvest from this prolific crop.
July	In the peak of summer, continue to harvest tomatoes and peppers. It’s also a good time to start succession plantings of late summer crops like fall squash and winter greens for late season yields.
August	August is perfect for planting a second round of beans and fast-growing greens. Focus on keeping your existing crops well watered and shaded if necessary to prevent stress from the summer heat.
September	As summer wanes, September is an excellent time to begin planting cool-season crops like lettuce and radishes, taking advantage of the still-warm soil for quick germination.
October	In October, continue sowing cool-season crops and maintain your fall harvest of peppers and tomatoes. The milder temperatures support healthy growth without the stress of extreme heat.
November	November is the time to plant winter crops such as kale and garlic. Continue harvesting remaining summer crops while preparing your garden for the milder winter.
December	In December, focus on maintaining existing winter crops. It's also a perfect month to plan next year’s garden layout and order seeds, taking into consideration your experiences from the past year.

Frost dates for Santa Ana ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
92704	—	—	10b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Santa Ana?

The long-term NOAA record indicates that 32°F frost is essentially absent from Santa Ana, meaning gardeners do not have to worry about frost dates affecting their planting schedules. This allows for reliable year-round planting.

What vegetables grow best in Santa Ana?

Vegetables that thrive in Santa Ana include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which love the sunny, warm weather. Additionally, leafy greens and herbs can also be successfully grown all year round.

When should I plant tomatoes in Santa Ana?

You can plant tomatoes year-round, but the optimal time would usually be from March onwards, once temperatures begin to consistently warm up, ensuring a strong and productive crop.

Can I garden year-round in Santa Ana?

Yes, gardening can be done year-round in Santa Ana due to the frost-free climate. This allows for a continuous cycle of planting and harvesting crops throughout all seasons.

How does Plan My Garden help Santa Ana gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored planting calendars, detailed guidance on crop choices, and advice based on local climate conditions, helping Santa Ana gardeners maximize their garden’s potential year-round.