May · Late spring
What to sow in May in Paris
38 crops are in their window this month in Paris — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 31 Mar
First frost≈ 30 Nov
Frost-free days213 days
May averages11°–21°C
Vegetables
29 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Asparagus
Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
8 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
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
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