April · Mid-spring
What to sow in April in San Francisco
17 crops are in their window this month in San Francisco.
Last frostNone
First frostNone
Frost-free daysAll year
April averages50°–63°F
Vegetables
12 in season
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Bush Beans
Direct sow · sow after soil warms; skip cold, wet spring soil
Eggplant
Transplant seedlings · harvest young for tender, less bitter fruit
Hot Peppers (Chili)
Transplant seedlings · needs warmer soil & longer season than sweet peppers
Lettuce
Direct sow · sow little and often for a steady salad supply
Herbs
4 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Fruit
1 in season
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery