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The best time to plant herbs in California depends heavily on your specific climate zone, but generally, you should plant most herbs in early spring after the last frost and again in fall for a second harvest.
California’s massive size means coastal areas, inland valleys, and mountain regions all have different planting windows, so nailing down when to plant herbs in California takes a little bit of local knowledge.
Whether you’re growing basil in San Diego or cilantro in Sacramento, understanding your region’s seasons is the secret to a thriving herb garden.
In this post, we’ll break down the best times to plant herbs in California by region, highlight which herbs prefer cool weather versus warm weather, and give you a simple month-by-month guide so you can plant with confidence.
Let’s dig in and get your California herb garden growing.
When to Plant Herbs in California: The Short Answer
When to plant herbs in California really comes down to whether you’re planting cool-season or warm-season herbs.
Cool-season herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives thrive in the mild, wet months from late fall through early spring.
Warm-season herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano love the heat and should be planted after any danger of frost has passed, typically from March through June depending on your zone.
If you’re wondering when to plant herbs in California’s coastal zones, you have the luxury of a nearly year-round growing season because temperatures stay moderate.
Inland areas, however, experience more extreme heat in summer and colder snaps in winter, so your planting windows are tighter and more defined.
Let’s explore the specific timing for different regions so you know exactly when to get your hands dirty.
1. Coastal California (Zones 9-10)
If you live near the coast, when to plant herbs in California is almost a non-issue because you can grow something all year long.
Plant cool-season herbs in September through November for a winter harvest, and again in February through April for a spring crop.
Warm-season herbs can go in the ground as early as March and will keep producing well into November thanks to the mild ocean influence.
The key here is that frost is rare, so your planting calendar is very forgiving.
2. Inland Valleys (Zones 8-9)
For inland valleys like the Central Valley, when to plant herbs in California shifts to avoid the scorching summer heat.
Plant cool-season herbs in October through December for winter growth, and again in February for a quick spring harvest before things heat up.
Warm-season herbs should be planted in April through June, but be prepared to give them some afternoon shade during the hottest months.
Your main challenge is the temperature swings, so timing your plantings to dodge both frost and extreme heat is crucial.
3. Mountain and High Desert Areas (Zones 5-7)
In higher elevations, when to plant herbs in California is much more restricted due to late spring frosts and early fall freezes.
Start cool-season herbs indoors in February, then transplant them outside in April or May once the soil has warmed.
Warm-season herbs need to wait until late May or even June to go outside, and you’ll often get a shorter harvest window.
Focus on fast-maturing varieties so you can enjoy your herbs before the cold returns in September.
Cool-Season Herbs and Their Ideal Planting Windows
When to plant herbs in California for cool-season varieties is all about taking advantage of the mild, damp weather that these plants adore.
These herbs can tolerate light frost and actually prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F.
Planting them in the fall gives them time to establish strong roots before winter, and they’ll reward you with lush growth in early spring.
Here are the most popular cool-season herbs and when to plant them in California:
Cilantro
Plant cilantro in September through November for a fall crop, or in February through March for spring.
Cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so timing your planting to the cooler months is essential for a longer harvest.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial that grows best when planted in fall or early spring.
Sow seeds directly in the ground from September to November, and again in February and March.
It’s incredibly cold-hardy and will survive most California winters without issue.
Dill
Dill performs best when planted in October through December or in March through April.
It doesn’t transplant well, so always sow dill seeds directly where you want them to grow.
Chives
Chives are a hardy perennial that you can plant almost any time in California’s coastal zones.
For inland areas, plant them in fall or very early spring to avoid the summer heat.
Warm-Season Herbs and Their Ideal Planting Windows
When to plant herbs in California for warm-season varieties means waiting until the soil has warmed up and all frost danger has passed.
These herbs require warm temperatures, usually above 60°F at night, to really take off and produce flavorful leaves.
Planting too early will stress them out, while planting too late in inland areas can expose them to extreme heat.
Here’s the breakdown for popular warm-season herbs:
Basil
Basil is extremely frost-tender, so never plant it before the last frost date in your area.
In coastal California, plant basil in April; in inland valleys, wait until May; and in mountain areas, June is your safest bet.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a drought-tolerant perennial that handles California’s climate beautifully.
Plant it in March through May, and it will thrive for years with minimal fuss.
Thyme
Thyme loves well-drained soil and full sun, making it perfect for California gardens.
Plant it in April or May after the last frost, and it will spread nicely.
Oregano
Oregano is another hardy perennial that you can plant in spring.
Aim for April through June, and give it plenty of space to grow.
Month-by-Month Planting Calendar for California Herbs
To make when to plant herbs in California even easier, here’s a quick month-by-month guide that works for most of the state.
This calendar assumes you’re in a moderate zone, so adjust a few weeks earlier for coastal areas and a few weeks later for mountains.
January and February
Start cool-season herb seeds indoors under grow lights, and plant chives and parsley outdoors in coastal zones.
March and April
This is the sweet spot for spring planting in most of California.
Plant cilantro, dill, parsley, and chives outdoors, and start basil and rosemary indoors for transplanting in May.
May and June
Now it’s safe to plant all warm-season herbs directly in the ground, including basil, oregano, thyme, and sage.
July and August
It’s too hot for most new plantings, so focus on harvesting and keeping existing herbs watered.
You can still plant heat-tolerant rosemary if you’re in a coastal area.
September and October
Fall planting begins now for cool-season herbs.
Sow cilantro, dill, and parsley seeds directly in the garden for a winter harvest.
November and December
Plant hardy herbs like chives and parsley in coastal zones, and mulch around perennials to protect them from frost inland.
So, When Should You Plant Herbs in California?
You should plant herbs in California by focusing on spring for warm-season varieties and fall for cool-season varieties, with exact timing based on your specific region.
To summarize, when to plant herbs in California comes down to knowing your microclimate and choosing the right season for each herb type.
If you live on the coast, you can plant almost year-round, but if you’re inland, stick to the traditional windows we covered to avoid extreme weather.
The easiest way to succeed is to start small, track your local frost dates, and keep a gardening journal so you learn what works best for your yard.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, understanding when to plant herbs in California will set you up for a bountiful, fragrant harvest all year long.
Happy planting.