What to plant this week in San Diego, CA
With San Diego's perpetual warm spell and no frost dates to worry about, this week is prime time for aggressive sowing of heat-lovers like Malabar Spinach and Sweet Corn right into your garden beds. Your focus shifts from protection to managing rapid growth in our mild 11a microclimate where even winter crops thrive.
The next 7 days
San Diego, CAGrowing in San Diego right now
- Our coastal fog often brings cool nights that can shock fast-growing Okra, so provide afternoon shade for young plants until they harden off.
- Soil here tends to be sandy and drains quickly; mulch heavily around Cucumber and Zucchini plants to retain moisture before the spring rains arrive.
- The intense afternoon sun in inland valleys like La Mesa can scorch French Marigolds, so position them near taller neighbors or under partial shade.
- Watch for excessive humidity from the ocean breeze which encourages fungal issues on Nasturtium leaves; space plants generously for airflow.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
24 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow beans or corn now to ensure a steady summer supply.
- Pinch back basil and Thai Basil regularly to encourage bushier growth before harvesting.
- Mulch around young vines like melons and squash to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadhead flowers like Cosmos and Zinnia frequently to promote more blooms throughout the season.
Pest & disease watch
- Aphids are currently exploding on Shiso and Thai Basil due to our consistent warmth and lack of wind.
- Spider mites have become active in the dry inland pockets of Poway, targeting Yellow Summer Squash and Zinnia foliage.
- Slug pressure is high on low-growing Malabar Spinach after recent moisture events, requiring hand-picking or bait stations.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of plants in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk during this warm season.
Don't forget that Okra and Cowpeas love heat, so give them plenty of space for their vigorous vines to spread out.
San Diego gardening questions
3Can I finally start my Sweet Corn directly in the ground?
Yes, San Diego's soil warmth allows you to sow Sweet Corn seeds immediately without any cold frames or waiting periods. Just ensure your rows have at least 3 feet of spacing for proper pollination in our humid pockets.
Is it safe to transplant Okra now even though the list says 'transplant_now' is empty?
While the official data lists no transplants, you can actually start Okra seeds directly outdoors this week since they hate root disturbance and thrive in our 11a heat. Simply sow them deep enough for good soil contact and keep the seedbed moist.
How do I protect my Zinnias from the intense afternoon sun here?
Plant your Zinnias behind taller companions like Malabar Spinach or use a light shade cloth if growing in exposed inland areas. This prevents flower bud burn while still allowing enough light for vibrant blooms.
Other cities in zone 11a
2See the full zone 11a guide → · Plan your San Diego garden in SproutGuide →