California produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, but harvest timing varies by crop, growing region, weather and variety. The seasonal ranges below are approximate and are intended as a practical guide to when California-grown produce is commonly harvested or most available.
California’s long growing season means some crops are available well beyond their peak harvest period. In this guide, peak season refers to the main harvest window, while available can include produce grown in multiple regions, stored after harvest or supplied over a longer commercial season.
Shop for seasonal California produce at an Orange County farmers market, or visit a local U-pick farm or orchard to see what is being harvested now.
California Produce by Month
The month-by-month guide below is based primarily on the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources harvest calendar, with additional California crop-season context from California Department of Food and Agriculture materials.
January
Avocados, strawberries, broccoli, kumquats, lemons, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, carrots, beets, tangerines, snow peas, sugar snap peas, lettuce and macadamia nuts.
February
Navel oranges, lemons, avocados, kumquats, strawberries, cauliflower, asparagus, artichokes, tangerines, tangelos, carrots, celery, cabbage, peas and beets.
March
Navel oranges, lemons, strawberries, squash, asparagus, carrots, peas, artichokes, tangelos, grapefruit and avocados.
April
Navel oranges, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, avocados, strawberries, squash, snap peas, beans, carrots, beets, turnips and radishes.
May
Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, avocados, sweet corn, peas, beans, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, sweet onions and cucumbers.
June
Valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons, peaches, plums, apricots, avocados, eggplant, corn, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, raspberries, boysenberries, blackberries and sweet onions.
July
Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, sweet potatoes, beans, raspberries, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, figs, Asian pears, pears, pumpkins, persimmons and macadamia nuts.
August
Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, peaches, plums, apricots, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, squash, raspberries, potatoes, boysenberries, blackberries, apples and figs.
September
Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, peaches, plums, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, squash, cucumbers, beans, carrots, raspberries, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers and figs.
October
Sweet corn, melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, peaches, avocados, tomatoes, grapes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, figs, Asian pears and pears.
November
Melons, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, raspberries, potatoes, apples, onions, peppers, Asian pears, pears, pumpkins, persimmons, macadamia nuts, kiwis and lettuce.
December
Tangerines, grapefruit, macadamia nuts, avocados, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, kiwis, carrots, beets, lemons and oranges.
California Fruit Seasons
| Fruit | Typical California Season |
|---|---|
| Apples | July – December; strongest late summer through fall |
| Apricots | May – August |
| Avocados | Year-round availability; especially common winter through fall depending on variety and region |
| Blackberries & Boysenberries | June – August |
| Figs | June – October |
| Grapefruit | Year-round availability, with strong winter through fall production |
| Grapes | July – October |
| Kiwifruit | November – spring |
| Kumquats | Winter – spring |
| Lemons | Year-round |
| Melons | July – November |
| Navel Oranges | Winter – spring |
| Valencia Oranges | Spring – fall |
| Peaches | June – October |
| Pears | July – November |
| Asian Pears | July – November |
| Persimmons | Fall |
| Plums | June – September |
| Pomegranates | Fall |
| Raspberries | Summer – late fall |
| Strawberries | Long California season; strongest spring through fall |
| Tangerines & Tangelos | Winter – spring |
California Vegetable Seasons
| Vegetable | Typical California Season |
|---|---|
| Artichokes | Year-round availability; strongest in cool coastal seasons |
| Asparagus | February – spring |
| Beans, Green | Spring – fall |
| Beets | Year-round in many regions |
| Broccoli | Year-round availability; strongest in cooler months |
| Brussels Sprouts | Late summer – winter |
| Cabbage | Year-round availability |
| Carrots | Year-round availability |
| Cauliflower | Year-round availability |
| Celery | Year-round availability |
| Corn | Late spring – fall |
| Cucumbers | Spring – fall |
| Eggplant | Summer – fall |
| Garlic | Spring – early fall harvest; available longer through storage |
| Green Onions | Long season; often year-round |
| Lettuce & Leafy Greens | Year-round, with many varieties strongest in cooler months |
| Onions | Spring – fall harvest; available longer through storage |
| Peas | Winter – spring |
| Peppers | Summer – late fall |
| Potatoes | Long California season |
| Pumpkins | Late summer – fall |
| Radishes | Year-round in many regions |
| Summer Squash | Spring – fall |
| Winter Squash | Late summer – winter |
| Sweet Potatoes | Late summer – fall harvest; available beyond harvest through storage |
| Tomatoes | Late spring – fall |
| Turnips | Cool-season crop; commonly fall through spring |
California Produce by Season
- Spring: asparagus, artichokes, strawberries, avocados, peas, citrus, carrots and leafy greens.
- Summer: peaches, plums, apricots, berries, melons, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and squash.
- Fall: apples, grapes, figs, pears, persimmons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, peppers and winter squash.
- Winter: navel oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, kiwis, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots and leafy greens.
Where to Buy Seasonal Produce in Orange County
Orange County has year-round farmers markets where shoppers can find seasonal California produce directly from growers and vendors. For a more hands-on experience, visit our guides to SoCal U-pick farms and orchards, apple picking, family-friendly farms, Tanaka Farms and Underwood Family Farms.
Sources
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources — Harvest Calendar
- California Department of Food and Agriculture — Agricultural Statistics and Crop Resources