This comprehensive guide will dig into what to plant in California during April, taking into account the specific USDA hardiness zones and individual plant requirements.

Vegetables To Plant

April is an ideal month for planting many types of vegetables across California, particularly in warmer regions. Here’s a closer look at ten vegetables that thrive when planted in April, emphasizing their temperature tolerance, planting dates, and growing conditions.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a quintessential vegetable for California gardens. They thrive in warm weather, requiring temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C) at night. In USDA zones 9-10, April is the perfect time to transplant seedlings outdoors, as the risk of frost is minimal. For cooler coastal areas (zone 8), consider starting tomatoes indoors a bit earlier and moving them outside by mid to late April.

Tomatoes prefer full sun and well-drained soil enriched with compost. Varieties such as ‘Early Girl’ and ‘Sun Gold’ are well-suited for shorter growing seasons, while ‘Brandywine’ can be planted in warmer regions for the best flavor.

Peppers

Like tomatoes, peppers love heat and should be planted in full sun. Most varieties do well when planted in April, especially bell peppers and jalapeños. They require nighttime temperatures to remain above 55°F (13°C). In zones 9-10, you can directly sow seeds or transplant seedlings by the end of April post-frost, while gardeners in cooler zones should initiate their seeds indoors around six to eight weeks before the last frost.

Peppers benefit from rich, well-drained soil, and adding mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific summer squash that thrives in warm temperatures. In California, April is an excellent time to plant zucchini directly in the ground, especially in zones 9-10. They enjoy nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with consistent watering. For thriving plants, ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Avoid planting zucchini in overly moist soil, as they are susceptible to root rot. Regular harvest encourages bushier plants and prevents overcrowding.

Carrots

Carrots are a great cool-weather crop that can be planted in early spring and, in California, even in April. These root vegetables prefer a cooler start with soil temperatures around 45°F (7°C). For gardeners in USDA zones 8-10, direct sowing seeds in April ensures a timely harvest in late summer or fall.

Carrots require loose, sandy soil for optimal root development. Thin seedlings after germination to allow for ample growth, and consider intercropping with faster-growing plants for space efficiency.

Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the fastest-growing vegetables and thrives in the cool spring temperatures of April. With varieties such as romaine, butterhead, and crisphead, lettuce can flourish across various zones. Plant seeds directly in USDA zones 8-10, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures that help prevent bolting.

Lettuce prefers well-drained soil and partial shade during the hottest times of the day. Be vigilant about pests like aphids, and use crop rotation to minimize disease risk.

Beans

Both bush and pole beans can be planted in April as they are sensitive to frost and thrive in warmer conditions. Beans grow well in USDA zones 8-10, and they are nitrogen-fixing plants that improve soil quality.

Plan your spacing according to the variety; bush beans require less space than pole varieties. Beans prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering, especially during blooming and pod development.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are perfect for summertime snacking and can be planted outdoors in April when temperatures consistently remain above 60°F (15°C). These plants thrive in full sun and require ample moisture, particularly as their fruits develop.

Consider starting seedlings indoors for cooler areas (zones 8 and below) and transplant them in April, reducing the risk of frost damage. Cucumber plants benefit from trellising, which saves space and encourages air circulation.

Beets

Beets are another cool-season crop that can be sown directly into the soil in April. Preferring cooler temperatures, beets grow well in well-drained, fertile soil. In zones 8-10, April is ideal for both direct sowing and transplanting seedlings.

Monitor your plants, as beets can suffer from pests like leafhoppers. Regularly weed around them to reduce competition for nutrients. Harvest when they reach a desired size; young beets are tender and flavorful.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables and can be sown in succession for continual harvest throughout spring and early summer. They love cool weather and can be directly sown into the garden as soon as the soil is workable in April.

They need full sun and well-drained soil, and their rapid growth makes them ideal for interplanting with slower-growing crops. Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding, and be aware that radishes may bolt in excessively warm weather.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that can be sown from late February through April in California. Preferring cooler temperatures, it flourishes in the spring before the heat of summer arrives. Spinach grows well in USDA zones 8-10 and should be sown directly into the ground.

This leafy green does best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. As it matures, regular harvesting encourages more leaf growth, making it possible to enjoy fresh spinach throughout the season.

Flowers To Plant

April is a vibrant time for planting flowers in California, as the warming temperatures promote blooming and growth. Here’s a look at ten flower varieties that are perfect for April planting.

Marigolds

Marigolds are hardy annuals that thrive in warm temperatures. They can be planted in April once the danger of frost has passed. Marigolds come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them perfect for adding vibrant splashes to the garden.

They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun, making them suitable for California’s climate. Additionally, marigolds are known for their pest-repellent properties, particularly against nematodes, enhancing the health of nearby plants.

Petunias

Petunias are another excellent choice for April planting in California. These versatile flowers enjoy full sun and well-drained soil. They can often withstand a light frost, making them resilient for early spring planting.

Petunias are available in numerous colors and varieties, including trailing types that are perfect for hanging baskets. Regular deadheading encourages new blooms and keeps the plants looking tidy.

Zinnias

Zinnias are vibrant, resilient flowers that thrive in warm weather and can be direct-seeded into the garden in April. They prefer full sun and are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for California’s climate.

Zinnias are also known to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding a lively dynamic to your garden. They can bloom continuously throughout the summer with proper watering and care.

Cosmos

Cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals that produce stunning flowers with a light, airy feel. They thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor soils, making them suitable for a range of conditions. Planting seeds in April in well-draining soil allows them to flourish throughout the summer.

With their delicate blooms, cosmos attract various pollinators, enriching the biodiversity of your garden.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are iconic and can be directly sown in the garden in April. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Additionally, sunflowers can handle the heat, making them perfect for California gardens.

As sunflowers grow tall, they provide vertical interest in the garden and can create privacy screens or shade for smaller plants. The seeds are also a food source for birds, further enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.

Dahlias

Dahlias can be planted in April once the last frost has passed, particularly in warmer zones of California. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and forms, lending beauty and diversity to gardens.

Dahlias prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Tubers must be planted 4-6 inches deep and spaced adequately for airflow. Regular watering and feeding will enhance bloom quality and size throughout the summer months.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are cool-season flowers that can continue thriving when planted in April. They prefer full to partial sun and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them suitable for early spring blooms.

Snapdragons come in various heights, making them versatile for both borders and container gardens. They bloom well into spring and summer, especially with regular deadheading, enhancing their visual appeal.

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa, often referred to as million bells, is perfect for hanging baskets and containers. They are best planted in April when temperatures allow them to flourish. These compact plants enjoy full sun and draw pollinators to your garden.

Calibrachoa requires well-drained soil and regular watering during dry spells while being drought-tolerant once established. Their continuous bloom cycle produces a colorful display throughout the growing season.

Salvia

Salvia is a diverse genus of flowering plants that thrive in dry conditions, making them well-suited for California’s climate. In April, you can plant both annual and perennial salvia varieties. They flourish in full sun and poor soil, making them lower maintenance.

Salvia is known for attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. A variety of colors and forms are available, with many species exhibiting fragrant foliage.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are fragrant climbers that can be planted in April. These flowering plants love cool temperatures and should be positioned in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, especially while establishing.

Sweet peas produce beautiful flowers that are also great for cutting gardens. Selecting early blooming varieties can maximize your spring presentation before the heat of summer arrives.

Herbs To Plant

Herbs are a wonderful addition to any California garden, enhancing culinary experiences while also attracting beneficial insects. Here are ten aromatic herbs to plant in April, ensuring flavorful and fragrant gardens throughout the growing season.

Basil

Basil is a beloved culinary herb that flourishes in warm weather. In California, April is an excellent time to plant basil seedlings outdoors, especially in zones 9-10. Basil requires full sun and enjoys warm soil, thriving with consistent moisture.

Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth, and varieties such as ‘Genovese’ and ‘Thai basil’ offer distinctive flavors for various dishes. Basil is sensitive to frost, so ensure the last frost has passed before planting.

Cilantro

Cilantro can be sown directly in the garden in April. This cool-weather herb prefers well-drained soil with ample sunlight. It is an excellent candidate for planting in early spring due to its sensitive nature to heat, as it tends to bolt when temperatures rise.

Cilantro grows quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh leaves within weeks. If you want continuous harvests, consider sowing seeds every couple of weeks, making sure to manage its bolting tendency.

Chives

Chives are hardy perennial herbs that can be planted in April. Their onion-like flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making them a popular choice in many kitchens. Chives prefer full sun and will tolerate partial shade, making them adaptable in various garden settings.

Once established, chives require little maintenance and can self-seed. They add lovely purple flowers to the garden, while their leaves can be snipped for culinary use.

Dill

Dill is an annual herb suited for planting in April in California gardens. This herb prefers well-drained soil and should be sown directly since it does not transplant well. Dill thrives in full sun and appreciates moderate moisture.

Regular harvesting encourages new growth, making it a delightful addition to salads, pickles, and fish dishes. Be mindful of its tendency to self-seed; manage its growth carefully to prevent unwanted spreading.

Oregano

Oregano is a hardy perennial herb that is easy to grow in California. April is a great time to plant oregano either from seed or transplants. This herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is quite drought-tolerant once established.

Oregano can be harvested throughout the growing season, enhancing various Mediterranean dishes. It can also thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance option for beginning gardeners.

Parsley

Parsley is a versatile biennial herb that can be sown in April. With both flat-leaf and curly varieties available, parsley prefers rich, moist soil and should be planted in partial shade to avoid excessive bolting in coastal regions.

The distinct flavor of parsley enhances many dishes, and frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth. Regular watering will help sustain healthy growth, particularly in dryer months.

Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that can be planted in April, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Thyme is very drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for California’s climate.

This aromatic herb is used both in culinary and medicinal contexts. Harvest thyme regularly to promote new growth and ensure a continuous supply of this flavorful herb throughout the season.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a resilient perennial herb that thrives in warm conditions. Ideal for planting in April in warmer regions of California, this herb loves dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Its fragrant leaves add depth to many culinary creations.

Established rosemary plants are drought-tolerant, but younger plants should be watered regularly. Pruning will encourage bushier growth and more flavorful leaves.

Mint

Mint is a vigorous perennial herb that can be planted in April. It adapts to various conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Be cautious: mint can quickly become invasive if not contained.

Regular harvesting encourages new growth, making it ideal for beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. Consider planting mint in containers to manage its growth more effectively.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is an aromatic herb that flourishes in full sun to partial shade and can be planted in April. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and is quite hardy. Its delightful lemon fragrance makes it a favorite for teas and desserts.

This perennial herb can spread if left unchecked, so regular harvesting is essential for controlling its growth. Its leaves can be enjoyed fresh or dried, making it versatile for different culinary uses.

Landscape Plants To Plant In April

April is also a fantastic month for enhancing your landscape with new plants. This section highlights 10 landscape plant options ideal for planting in California during this month, focusing on their adaptability and aesthetics.

California Poppy

The California poppy is the state flower and an iconic native plant that is best planted in well-drained soil and full sun. April is an excellent time for sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings in various USDA zones.

This drought-tolerant plant thrives in many California environments and provides vibrant orange blooms, creating dramatic visual appeal. Once established, California poppies are easy to maintain, offering satisfaction as self-seeding annuals.

Lavender

Lavender is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in warm temperatures, making it suitable for planting in April. It loves full sun and well-drained soil, so ensure proper positioning in your garden.

Lavender attracts pollinators and diverse wildlife. The aromatic flowers and foliage can be harvested for various uses, from culinary to aromatic sachets. Its versatility makes it a fantastic landscaping choice.

Succulents

April is a splendid month to plant an array of succulents, which thrive in California’s dry climate. They prefer bright sunlight and well-drained soil, making them a low-maintenance landscape option.

Choose from various types, such as agave, echeveria, and jade plants, to create stunning arrangements in your garden. Succulents come in many sizes and varieties, allowing for creativity in your landscaping designs.

Oak Trees

April is an appropriate time to plant oak trees, which grow well in a range of California soils and climates. They provide significant shade and habitat for wildlife, making them a substantial landscape investment.

Remember that oak trees require ample space to grow, so plan your planting accordingly. While young trees will need regular watering, established oaks are drought-tolerant and contribute monumental beauty to your landscape.

Rosemary

Rosemary not only flourishes as an herb but also serves as an attractive landscape plant. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Planting rosemary in April provides an opportunity to enjoy its delightful aroma and edible foliage.

In landscaping, rosemary can be used as a low hedge or ground cover, offering decorative value along with its culinary uses. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth.

Helenium

Helenium is a robust and colorful perennial flower that thrives when planted in April. It loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. These cheerful flowers bloom in late summer, providing delightful colors to your garden.

Helenium attracts pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any wildlife garden. They are known for their tall stature, creating stunning visual focal points in landscape designs.

Agastache

Agastache, or hyssop, is a diverse plant that blooms prolifically and attracts pollinators. Planting them in April allows for vibrant summer foliage and blooms. They enjoy full sun and well-drained soil.

This plant is drought tolerant, making it suited for California landscaping. Agastache comes in various colors, enhancing any garden with its unique qualities. It can also double as an edible herb, bringing versatility to your garden.

Salvia

In addition to its usefulness as an herb, salvia is a stunning, ornamental plant. These perennials can be planted in April, enjoying full sun and well-drained soil. They attract diverse pollinators, making them beneficial for ecosystems.

Salvia blooms in various colors and can flourish in various styles of gardens, from formal to informal. Their drought tolerance and beauty ensure their popularity in California landscapes.

Lantana

Lantana is a vibrant perennial that thrives in sunny, dry environments. In April, it can be easily planted and will bloom all summer long with colorful clusters of flowers. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.

Lantana is great for attracting butterflies and enhancing biodiversity in the garden. It can be used as ground cover or in borders for dynamic garden designs.